Tinubu vows to defeat Boko Haram/ISWAP after deadly Maiduguri attacks

President Bola Tinubu has pledged that his administration will completely dismantle terrorist networks wreaking havoc across Nigeria, following a series of deadly suicide bombings in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State.

The attacks, which occurred on Monday, targeted the Main Market, the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, and a flyover near a post office, leaving several casualties and causing widespread alarm.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, President Tinubu described the news of the attacks as “profoundly upsetting” and expressed condolences to the families of the victims while sympathizing with those injured.

He emphasised that these acts of terror were desperate attempts by criminal and insurgent groups to spread fear, adding that they come under increasing pressure from Nigeria’s armed forces and security agencies operating across multiple theatres.

“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,” the president stated. He also commended troops for successfully repelling previous coordinated assaults on military positions in Borno State.

President Tinubu highlighted that additional equipment and operational support had been approved last week during a security meeting with leaders of intelligence and security agencies to enhance their capabilities in confronting terrorist threats.

Boko Haram suicide bombings rock Maiduguri, Borno governor condemns attacks

He confirmed that security chiefs had been dispatched to Maiduguri to manage the situation, while emergency agencies were directed to provide proper care for the injured.

Security measures intensified amid ongoing insurgency

The president stressed that no part of Nigeria would be a haven for terrorists. “We will locate them, confront them, and completely defeat them. Nigeria will not succumb to fear,” he said.

His statement reinforced the administration’s commitment to safeguarding citizens and maintaining national security during the holy month of Ramadan, a period that insurgents have previously targeted.

Analysts note that the attacks coincide with a period of heightened military operations against Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents in Sambisa Forest and other known hideouts. Security experts say these assaults may be retaliatory, reflecting the pressure insurgents face from ongoing counterterrorism campaigns.

President Tinubu’s directive to intensify security presence in public spaces and places of worship demonstrates a proactive approach to mitigating risks for civilians. Residents of Maiduguri have been urged to remain vigilant, continue lawful activities, and promptly report suspicious movements or actions to authorities.

The president’s strong response also aims to reassure the Nigerian public and international partners that the country remains capable of managing terrorist threats. His administration’s focus on coordinated military and civilian task forces reflects an integrated security strategy, combining intelligence, rapid response, and community engagement.

While investigations into the bombings continue, authorities have emphasized that immediate emergency response and medical care for affected individuals remain a priority. The government is expected to review the attacks to identify potential gaps in security and strengthen counterterrorism measures, including surveillance, patrols, and intelligence-sharing networks.

President Tinubu’s statement comes shortly after condemnation from Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, who described the explosions as “barbaric and cowardly” and reaffirmed the commitment of state security agencies to protect citizens.

The coordinated response from both federal and state authorities underscores the critical need for a united front in the fight against terrorism.

Through these efforts, the Nigerian government seeks to reassure citizens that, despite the audacity of such attacks, the nation’s security forces are fully prepared to counter and eliminate insurgent threats, ensuring that communities across the country remain safe and resilient.