President Bola Tinubu has declared fresh war on banditry and terrorism in the country, adding that Nigeria will not lose the battle against insecurity under his watch.
Tinubu made the declaration at the palace of the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Al-Amin El-Kanemi, in Maiduguri on Monday.
The president was in Maiduguri, the erstwhile epicenter of the Boko Haram insurgency to attend the annual Chief of Army Staff Conference.
The president challenged the military to remain apolitical in the discharge of their duty.
Reflecting on the recent accidental bombing in Kaduna, he sympathised with the victims, assuring them that the Federal Government will not abandon them.
According to a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Ajuri Ngelale, the president promised to provide succour for 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. “
President Tinubu said under his watch, security would remain a top priority, adding that it will not be limited to battlefield concerns.
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 sympathised with the families of victims of the bombing in Tudun Biri, Kaduna State, lamenting that most of them tragically lost their lives while reciting the Shadada during their observance of Maulud, a central statement of faith for practising Muslims.
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 last week visited Tundun Biri, the village hit during the bombing mishap, on behalf of the President, announced the Federal Government’s plan to rebuild the city at take care of the families of those killed.
Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum acknowledged the steady improvement in security, hailing the collaboration 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 urged the President to fight the infrastructure battle in areas that have been ravaged by insurgency over the years.
He said: “We seek the revival of the Lake Chad Commission to provide succour to the large communities in the 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 applauded the Shehu of Borno for supporting Borno State government, the Federal Government in maintaining peace and stability, promising to enhance the involvement of traditional institutions in ensuring stability at the grassroots.
