President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed all service chiefs to move to Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, following the recent surge of terrorist attacks in the state.
Tinubu has departed Nigeria for a state visit to the United Kingdom, accepting an invitation from Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
He departed the nation’s capital, Abuja, on Tuesday morning in the company of his wife, Oluremi Tinubu.
The visit, the first by a Nigerian head of state to the U.K. in 37 years hosted by the British monarch at Windsor Castle, is expected to strengthen bilateral ties and explore new avenues for collaboration across trade, investment, immigration, and cultural exchange.
During the visit, King Charles III will host President Tinubu and the First Lady at Windsor Castle from Wednesday to Thursday.
As part of the programme, the Royal Family will present a special exhibition of items from the Royal Collection related to Nigeria.
The King and President Tinubu will also hold private discussions and meet with organisations promoting interfaith dialogue at national and international levels, culminating in a State Banquet in honour of the Nigerian delegation
However, the president made this known in a statement he personally signed and made available to reporters on Tuesday, following the Monday bomb attacks that claimed the lives of at least 23 people.
Recall that multiple suicide bombings by suspected Boko Haram members were recorded in the state on Monday.
The President, who commiserated with the Borno people over recent terror strikes, assured that the Nigerian military is winning the war against the insurgents.
“The recent news from Maiduguri, Borno State, is profoundly upsetting. I mourn those who lost their lives, sympathise with the injured and stand in solidarity with the people of Borno during this challenging time.”
“I want to make it categorically clear that these acts of terror are the final desperate and frantic attempts by criminals and terrorist elements trying to instil and spread fear, as they are under constant pressure from our brave armed forces and security agencies operating in various theatres.
“We will continue to intensify our efforts against all criminal elements, wherever they may be.
“I must commend the courage and fighting spirit of our patriotic troops who successfully repelled the coordinated attacks by these terrorists on military positions in the state.
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“The Monday attacks were desperate acts of the evil-minded terrorist groups. Our gallant military and civilian task forces will curtail and put them down.
He revealed that during a security meeting with leaders of security and intelligence agencies last week, he approved additional equipment and operational support to enhance their capabilities.
“Just last weekend, during a security meeting with leaders of security and intelligence agencies, I approved additional equipment and operational support to enhance their capabilities. This effort is already in progress.
“Additionally, I have directed security chiefs to move to Maiduguri to take charge of the situation. I have also directed the emergency agencies to provide proper care for the injured. There is no place in Nigeria where terrorists will find safety. We will locate them, confront them, and completely defeat them. Nigeria will not succumb to fear.”
Members of President Tinubu’s official entourage include Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Ministers of Justice Lateef Fagbemi, Solid Minerals Dele Alake, Information and National Orientation Idris Mohammed; Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Bianca Ojukwu; Finance Minister Wale Edun; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Jumoke Oduwole; Culture and Creative Economy Minister Hannatu Musawa; Zamfara State governor Dauda Lawal; Communications and Digital Economy Minister Bosun Tijani; Defence Minister Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd); National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu; and Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency Amb. Mohammed Mohammed.
The president is expected to return to Nigeria at the conclusion of the state visit.