Vice President Kashim Shettima has declared that the Federal Government will intensify its fight against insurgency in the North-East, promising that terrorist groups will be confronted with “decisive and overwhelming force.”
The statement followed a series of recent attacks in Borno State that reportedly led to the deaths of both security personnel and civilians.
In a statement issued on Saturday by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President said the Federal Government would not be intimidated by the latest wave of violence, which included abductions in Ngoshe and coordinated attacks on military bases.
According to Shettima, the protection of lives remains a top priority for the government.
“We remain one nation tied to a common destiny. The sanctity of human life is non-negotiable. This madness will be brought to an end not with empty words but with the decisive and overwhelming force of the Nigerian state,” he said.
Reinforcements Deployed
The Vice President disclosed that additional tactical assets and intelligence-driven reinforcements are being deployed to the affected communities to strengthen ongoing military operations.
He added that the recent attacks were a reminder of the persistent security challenges in the region but emphasized that the government remains determined to restore peace.
According to him, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has already been briefed on the situation and has ordered a full mobilisation of the country’s security architecture.
“The Federal Government will not tolerate any sanctuary for those who seek to displace our people or occupy an inch of Nigerian soil,” Shettima stated.
Military Bases Targeted
Reports indicate that insurgents launched attacks on military formations in Konduga, Marte, Jakana, and Mainok, temporarily overrunning some positions before reinforcements arrived.
In Ngoshe, a community in Gwoza Local Government Area, several residents were abducted during the attacks.
Shettima expressed condolences to the families of those killed, including soldiers who died while defending the country.
“Our hearts bleed for the families and the brave soldiers who paid the supreme price in the line of duty,” he said.
He assured Nigerians that the government would work tirelessly until the abducted victims are rescued and reunited with their families.
Praise for Troops and Borno Government
The Vice President also commended the resilience of residents and the leadership of Babagana Umara Zulum for their continued efforts in confronting the insurgency.
He praised Nigerian troops for their bravery on the frontlines and reiterated the administration’s determination to defeat terrorism.
President Tinubu had earlier spoken with Governor Zulum to express sympathy and solidarity following the attacks.
During an interfaith breaking of fast with service chiefs on Friday, the President reassured the military that Nigeria would ultimately overcome terrorism.
“We will win. Nigeria will prevail,” Tinubu said.
Long-Running Insurgency
Borno State has remained the epicentre of insurgent violence by Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province since 2009.
Communities such as Ngoshe, located near the Cameroon border, have repeatedly faced attacks, with residents often abducted for ransom or forced labour.
Although security operations have weakened the insurgents in recent years, sporadic attacks continue to threaten stability in the region.
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