President Bola Tinubu on Thursday mourned the soldiers who were assassinated in an assault on an army base in Sabon Gida, Damboa, Borno State.
Members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) sent off a pre-dawn attack in trucks and on motorcycles last Saturday on the base in Sabon Gari in Damboa area of Borno State.
They torched the base along with army vehicles, military sources said, on condition of anonymity as they are not authorised to talk on the incident.
Fighter jets deployed from the regional capital Maiduguri 100 kilometres (62 miles) away struck the attackers as they retreated.
Tinubu in a statement by the presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, communicated his profound sympathy to the military authorities following the loss of six brave soldiers during a dawn terrorist attack on January 4.
He ordered a “thorough investigation to uncover the circumstances that led to the unfortunate incident and ensure that it serves as a valuable lesson to prevent similar occurrences.”
“This resolute action by the Army demonstrates the capability and readiness of our military to confront and defeat threats to our nation’s security. Their actions testify to our resolve to eradicate terrorism and banditry, paving the way for a future where peace and security prevail for all Nigerians,” the President was quoted as saying.
“I extend heartfelt gratitude and sympathy to our military and security forces on behalf of a grateful nation.
“Your sacrifices and dedication do not go unnoticed, and we stand firmly behind you in this ongoing fight to eliminate these threats.”
The Commander-in-Chief likewise lauded the armed forces for their quick and decisive response, especially the air component, in launching viable retaliatory strikes.
To Tinubu, the targeted air attacks brought about the significant neutralization of numerous terrorists and the obliteration of their resources as they attempted to escape.
The President wants the military to proactively take the war to the camps of bandits and terrorists.
He especially emphasized the Northwest, where these lawbreakers keep on threatening the lives and homes of innocent villagers.
Tinubu called on Nigerians and the media to help the military’s endeavours to re-establish peace and security in the country.
