President Bola Tinubu has ordered an immediate intensification of security operations in Borno State following a deadly terrorist attack on a mosque in Maiduguri, which killed five worshippers and injured several others. Vice-President Kashim Shettima conveyed the directive, emphasizing the government’s swift response to the assault on innocent citizens during evening prayers.
The tragic incident occurred on Wednesday evening at the Al-Adum Mosque, situated within the bustling Gamboru Market in Maiduguri. Suspected terrorists launched the assault during congregational prayers, unleashing violence that claimed five lives and left a number of individuals wounded, some critically. This brazen act of terror deliberately targeted a place of worship, underscoring the attackers’ intent to sow fear and disrupt communal peace.
Vice-President Shettima, speaking on Thursday, unequivocally condemned the attack, describing it as a “despicable assault on innocent citizens and the peace of the nation.” He confirmed that President Tinubu had mandated the immediate deployment of additional tactical security teams to Borno State. These specialized units are tasked with tracking down and apprehending those responsible for the heinous act, ensuring they face the full weight of the law.
Borno State, particularly its capital Maiduguri, has for years served as the epicenter of Nigeria’s protracted battle against extremist groups, including Boko Haram and its splinter faction, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). While security forces have made significant gains in degrading the capabilities of these insurgents, sporadic attacks, often targeting soft targets like markets and religious gatherings, continue to pose a grave threat to civilian populations. The strategic importance of Maiduguri, a city that has withstood numerous sieges, makes such attacks particularly symbolic and aimed at eroding public confidence.
The Federal Government reiterated its unwavering commitment to working closely with Borno State authorities and local security agencies. This collaborative approach aims to enhance protection for vulnerable communities and critical infrastructure not only across the North East but also in other parts of the country grappling with insecurity. President Tinubu’s administration views the comprehensive safeguarding of lives and property as a paramount national priority, allocating substantial resources towards intelligence gathering and proactive security operations.
Shettima firmly declared that the Federal Government would not tolerate any attempt to undermine the peace and security of the nation. He assured the public that security agencies were operating round the clock, leveraging all available resources to ensure the perpetrators of the mosque attack are swiftly identified, apprehended, and brought to justice. This strong stance reflects a renewed determination to hold accountable those who seek to destabilize the country through violence and terror.
Expressing profound sympathy, the Vice-President extended condolences to the Borno State Government, the residents of Maiduguri, and especially the grieving families of the victims. He emphasized that the government stands in solidarity with those affected by this senseless violence, reassuring them that every effort would be made to ensure justice prevails. Such acts, he stressed, only strengthen the nation’s resolve to overcome the forces of extremism.
The Tinubu administration reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to national security, underscoring that it would continue to provide security agencies with the necessary support, advanced equipment, and comprehensive resources required to effectively combat terrorism in all its manifestations. This includes enhanced training, intelligence sharing, and technological advancements crucial for modern counter-insurgency operations. The objective remains to empower security forces to preempt attacks and neutralize threats before they materialize.
Attacks on places of worship carry a particularly insidious impact, aiming to fracture inter-communal harmony and instill deep-seated fear within the populace. The government’s immediate and robust response is thus critical not only for punitive action but also for restoring public confidence and demonstrating its capacity to protect its citizens. The long-term strategy involves not just military might but also addressing root causes of extremism, fostering community resilience, and promoting peace-building initiatives.
The persistent threat of terrorism in Nigeria’s North East also has significant implications for regional stability, affecting neighboring countries in the Lake Chad Basin. Collaborative efforts with Chad, Cameroon, and Niger through multinational joint task forces remain vital in curtailing the cross-border movements and operational capabilities of insurgent groups. This broader regional security framework is an integral part of Nigeria’s counter-terrorism strategy.
In the wake of this latest tragedy, President Tinubu’s directive signals an unequivocal resolve from the highest echelons of government to decisively confront and eradicate terrorism. The intensified security operations in Borno State are a clear demonstration of this commitment, aimed at bringing perpetrators to justice and ensuring the safety and security of all Nigerians, particularly those in conflict-affected regions. The nation remains vigilant against those who seek to disrupt its peace and progress.
