Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described the military drone attack that killed tens of citizens in Tundun Biri, in the Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, as regrettable.
Tinubu spoke on Monday while offering his condolences to the bereaved families during his visit to Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
Maiduguri is about 770 kilometres away from Kaduna.
Some of the President’s words were captured according to his Special Adviser on Media And Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, in a December 11, 2023 statement.
Tinubu expressed his condolences once again to the families of Nigerians who lost their lives in the recent and sad bombing mishap in Tudun Biri, Kaduna State, saying that most of the victims tragically lost their lives while reciting the Shahada as they observed maulud, a central statement of faith for practising Muslims.
“They were Nigerians of profound faith and in the moment of the tragedy, they were reciting the Shahada. God Almighty comforts their families as their nation grieves their passage into glory. May their souls rest in eternal peace,” the President prayed.
Speaking at the palace of the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Al-Amin El-Kanemi, the President pledged that the Federal Government will continue to do all within its powers to provide support and care to the families of all Nigerians affected by the remnants of insecurity in parts of Borno State.
“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 has resumed office. We are not satisfied yet. We are not satisfied until we reach the end of insecurity in Nigeria,” the President declared.
The President declared that under his watch, security issues would remain a top priority, but not limited only to battlefield concerns.
“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 on our behalf,” the President affirmed.
According to the statement, under President Tinubu’s leadership, the Office of the National Security Adviser has worked diligently to connect all branches of the nation’s security architecture by closely coordinating missions and enhancing inter-agency intelligence sharing at all levels.
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum acknowledged the steady improvement in collaboration between the security agencies and the Borno State Government.
“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.
On his part, the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Al-Amin El-Kanemi urged the President to deliver his infrastructural interventions to areas that have been hard hit by insurgency over the years.
“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,” the Shehu of Borno stated.
Commending the Shehu of Borno for supporting the government of Borno State and the Federal Government in maintaining peace and stability in the region, President Tinubu promised to enhance the active involvement of traditional institutions in ensuring stability at the grassroots level across the country.
Speaking at the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference 2023 in Maiduguri, Borno State, on Monday, the President said he has no intention of relenting or resting on his laurels in securing Nigeria, declaring that he will win the battle to keep Nigeria safe.
President Tinubu, who acknowledged the Nigerian Army’s commitment to national security, asked the army to remain non-partisan but vigilant in upholding democratic principles, emphasizing their role as a guardian of constitutional order during elections.
“The professional conduct of the Armed Forces during the elections in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi States underscores your role as a guardian of our constitutional order and democracy precepts. In this regard, the Nigerian Army must remain completely non-partisan but vigilantly pro-democracy.
“We also note with great satisfaction the many civilian-military projects across the country, some of which will be commissioned during this Conference.
“These projects not only bring the military and civilian population into closer affinity and mutual understanding, they also serve the practical purpose of tangibly improving the living conditions of the people,” the President said.
Citing the recent procurement of new aircraft as a testament of his resolve to upgrade national defence capability, President Tinubu also affirmed his administration’s commitment to advancing the ongoing modernization process within the military, with a focus on improving mobility, communications, and offensive striking capabilities.
The President, while expressing the nation’s gratitude for the service and sacrifice of the armed forces, recalled his earlier approval of N18 billion in Group Life Assurance benefits for families of fallen heroes, even as he pledged continuous government support for the welfare of serving personnel and their families.
The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar said the President’s new approach to empowering the force and enhancing intra-military collaboration has led to a substantial increase in morale for the armed forces.
“Mr. President, you are a man of your word. Your Renewed Hope agenda assured Nigerians of progress in the fight against insecurity. The men of the armed forces are more committed than ever before. They see the progress they recording. They know the damage they are inflicting on our enemies. They have high morale. Our enemies do not because of your leadership. Thank you, Mr. President,” the Minister stated.
He pledged to sustain his support for the Nigerian military in the provision of infrastructure while acknowledging the unalloyed commitment of the Tinubu administration to substantial investments to enhance the operational capabilities of the military.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, informed the President that ongoing military operations in different parts of the country have significantly weakened criminal elements, while checkmating farmer-herders crises in various parts of the country.
“Notwithstanding these achievements, we recognize the importance of continuous evaluation and this conference will be instrumental in formulating long-term strategies to bolster our ability to carry out our constitutional responsibility in the year 2024,” the Army Chief said.
