Tinubu Urges Calm After Deadly Borno Attack, Vows Stronger Action Against Terrorists

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigerians not to allow fear and panic to take hold following a recent attack carried out by insurgents linked to Boko Haram in Borno State, assuring citizens that the federal government remains committed to defeating terrorism and restoring full security to the region.

The attack, which occurred in the Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, left several people dead and others injured, further highlighting the persistent security challenges in Nigeria’s northeastern region. The assault reportedly targeted vulnerable residents and security personnel, sparking renewed concern about the safety of communities that have endured years of insurgent violence.

In a statement released on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu extended his condolences to families who lost loved ones during the attack. The President also acknowledged the sacrifices made by members of the armed forces who died while defending the nation and protecting civilians from the insurgents.

Tinubu said he deeply mourned the loss of innocent lives, including military personnel who were caught in the tragic events surrounding the operation. The President also noted that some individuals lost their lives during an aerial interdiction carried out by the Nigerian Air Force, which was launched to pursue fleeing terrorists after the attack.

According to the presidential statement, the aerial operation was part of an immediate military response aimed at preventing the attackers from escaping and regrouping. However, the President acknowledged that the chaos surrounding such operations sometimes leads to tragic consequences, including friendly fire incidents.

Tinubu described the attack as a cruel and heartless assault on defenseless citizens who have already suffered years of hardship due to insurgency in the region. He emphasized that such acts of violence are unacceptable and vowed that the perpetrators would not escape justice.

Despite the tragedy, the President commended Nigerian troops for their swift reaction to the attack. Security forces reportedly mobilized quickly after the insurgents struck the community, engaging the attackers and forcing them to retreat after several of them were killed during the confrontation.

The federal government said the military’s response demonstrated the increasing readiness of Nigerian security forces to confront insurgents and limit the damage caused by such attacks. Tinubu praised the courage and dedication of soldiers who risk their lives daily to defend the country from extremist threats.

In his message to Nigerians, the President urged residents of Borno and surrounding communities not to live in fear or allow terrorists to succeed in spreading panic. He stressed that the government remains fully committed to restoring peace and security across the region.

Tinubu also called on citizens to continue cooperating with security agencies by sharing credible information that could help prevent future attacks. According to him, community cooperation remains one of the most powerful tools in the fight against terrorism.

The President assured Nigerians that security agencies have been directed to intensify their operations against insurgent groups operating in the northeast. He emphasized that the government will continue investing in intelligence gathering, surveillance, and coordinated military operations to dismantle terrorist networks.

As part of the federal government’s immediate response to the Ngoshe attack, Tinubu ordered the military and other security agencies to urgently step up efforts to locate and rescue individuals who were abducted during the assault. Authorities believe that some residents were taken away by the attackers as they fled the community.

The directive, according to the presidency, underscores the administration’s commitment to protecting every Nigerian life and ensuring that victims of terrorism are not abandoned. Security forces have reportedly begun search-and-rescue operations aimed at tracking the insurgents and recovering those who were kidnapped.

The attack has once again drawn attention to the long-running insurgency that has plagued northeastern Nigeria for more than a decade. Borno State has been the epicenter of the conflict, with many communities experiencing repeated attacks, displacement, and destruction.

Although Nigerian forces have recorded significant successes in recent years, including the recapture of several territories previously controlled by insurgents, security experts warn that militant groups continue to exploit remote areas and porous borders to carry out attacks.

Local residents in affected communities have often called for stronger protection and increased military presence to prevent further violence. Many families in Borno have endured years of uncertainty, with thousands displaced from their homes and forced to rely on humanitarian assistance.

President Tinubu acknowledged the suffering endured by communities in the region and reiterated his administration’s determination to end the insurgency once and for all. He said the government will continue working with security agencies, local authorities, and international partners to strengthen counterterrorism efforts.

The President’s message also focused on national unity, urging Nigerians across the country to stand together in the face of terrorism. According to him, extremist groups thrive when fear and division take hold, but they weaken when citizens remain resilient and united.

He stressed that terrorism is not only an attack on individual communities but also an assault on Nigeria’s collective peace and stability. Therefore, defeating insurgency requires the cooperation of government, security agencies, and citizens alike.

Tinubu further reassured Nigerians that his administration remains committed to improving security infrastructure across the country. This includes equipping the armed forces with better resources, improving intelligence capabilities, and strengthening coordination among security agencies.

Observers say the President’s call for calm is aimed at preventing widespread panic while reinforcing public confidence in the government’s ability to manage the situation. In regions where insurgent attacks have occurred repeatedly, fear often spreads quickly among residents, making reassurance from national leadership crucial.

For families who lost loved ones in the Ngoshe attack, however, the tragedy represents another painful reminder of the human cost of the insurgency. Community leaders have called for prayers, solidarity, and support for affected families as they mourn.

As investigations and military operations continue, Nigerians across the country are closely watching developments, hoping that decisive action will prevent further violence and bring lasting peace to communities that have endured years of conflict.

President Tinubu concluded his message by reaffirming that the government will not relent in its efforts to defeat terrorism and restore stability in every part of the country. He urged Nigerians to remain vigilant but fearless, emphasizing that the nation must not allow terrorists to dictate how citizens live their lives.