President Bola Tinubu has announced a renewed effort to combat banditry and terrorism in Nigeria.
Tinubu made the declaration during a visit to the palace of the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Al-Amin El-Kanemi, in Maiduguri on Monday.
He was in Maiduguri to attend the annual Chief of Army Staff Conference, as it was previously a major area affected by the Boko Haram insurgency. Tinubu urged the military to remain impartial in carrying out their duties.
The president expressed his sympathy for the victims of the recent accidental bombing in Kaduna and assured them that the Federal Government would not abandon them.
According to a statement from Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, President Tinubu has made a promise to help the victims of insecurity in Borno State.
He said, “This is my most sacred responsibility, and the trajectory of the larger effort shown by the ratio of victory over defeat has been sliding well in our favour since the new administration assumed office.
“We are not satisfied yet. We are not satisfied until we reach the end of insecurity in Nigeria.”
He emphasised that security will be a major focus during his presidency, not just on the battlefield.
He said, “We will provide better amenities and benefits to our gallant armed forces and their families. We are committed to this, and this is factored into the 2024 budget. We will ensure that our administration reflects the grateful heart of the Nigerian people in the way we treat those who make the ultimate sacrifices.”
The President expressed his sympathy for the families of the bombing victims in Tudun Biri, Kaduna State. He lamented the tragic loss of their lives while reciting the Shadada, a central statement of faith for practicing Muslims, during their observance of Maulud.
He added, “They were Nigerians of profound faith, and in the moment of the tragedy, they were reciting the Shadada. God Almighty comforts their families as their nation grieves their passage into glory. May their souls rest in eternal peace.”
The Vice President, who recently visited Tundun Biri, the village affected by the bombing accident, on behalf of the President, has announced the Federal Government’s intention to reconstruct the city and support the families of the deceased.
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State recognised the consistent progress in security and praised the cooperation between the security agencies and his government.
He said, “We have seen the close working relationship between our state and the security agencies. The results are speaking for themselves. We remain committed to the achievement of the Renewed Hope Agenda in the fight against insecurity anywhere it exists in Nigeria.
“We thank you for your leadership, Mr. President. We will continue to give all required support to the Nigerian Armed Forces,” Governor Zulum said.
The Shehu of Borno, Alhaji El-Kanemi, has called on the President to focus on improving infrastructure in areas that have been severely affected by insurgency. He believes that this is crucial for the development and recovery of these regions.
He said, “We seek the revival of the Lake Chad Commission to provide succour to the large communities in Lake Chad’s surrounding areas. We seek power projects and job creation initiatives for our unemployed youths.
Governor Zulum has been performing beyond what is humanly possible, but his resources are limited. Please assist him.”
Tinubu commended the Shehu of Borno for his support of the Borno State government and the Federal Government in their efforts to maintain peace and stability. He also promised to increase the participation of traditional institutions in promoting stability at the local level.
