by Godwin Orozo-
Vice President Kashim Shettima has declared that those responsible for the recent wave of attacks across Nigeria “will be decisively confronted,” reaffirming the federal government’s commitment to crushing terrorism.
Speaking in Maiduguri during a visit following Monday’s deadly explosions, Shettima said the government was intensifying both strategy and resources to tackle insecurity.
“Those behind these attacks will be decisively confronted,” he said. “We remain resolute in our determination to defeat terrorism in all its forms.”
The vice president revealed that President Bola Tinubu had directed security chiefs to relocate to Maiduguri to take immediate charge of operations. He added that more investment was being made in equipment and logistics to strengthen the fight nationwide.
Condemning the attacks, which left over 20 people dead and more than 100 affected, Shettima described the perpetrators as “barbaric.”
“No cause justifies the killing of innocent people,” he stated.
He noted that his visit was to sympathise with victims and their families, assuring them of government support through relevant agencies.
“We are here to stand with the victims and ensure they receive the support they need,” he said.
Meanwhile, Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, urged residents of Borno and Yobe states to take greater responsibility in combating terrorism, warning that local complicity was undermining military efforts.
“For us to end this act of terrorism, the people of Borno and Yobe must take ownership of this problem,” Oluyede said.
He stressed that many perpetrators were known within their communities.
“They are our brothers, sisters, cousins — and we know them,” he added.
Citing a recent incident, he disclosed that wounded terrorists were found hiding within a community after an attack.
“When Kukawa was attacked, we discovered two wounded terrorists inside the village during our search operations,” he revealed.
Oluyede also addressed concerns over terrorists’ use of drones, assuring that the military was responding with advanced technology.
“We are responding with German drones, and we are getting more. We are on top of the situation,” he said.
In a major operational success, troops of Operation Hadin Kai killed over 80 terrorists during a coordinated attack on military positions in Mallam Fatori.
According to a military statement, the insurgents launched a large-scale assault using armed drones, but were met with strong resistance.
“Through disciplined firepower and superior tactics, the insurgents were routed in disarray, with no fewer than 80 neutralised,” the statement said.
Air support from the Nigerian Air Force, alongside allied Nigerien forces, played a crucial role in repelling the ആക്രമ.
Security forces also recovered a significant cache of weapons, including rifles, machine guns, RPGs, ammunition, and improvised explosive devices.
The operation reportedly eliminated several top commanders, dealing a major blow to terrorist leadership in the region.
Officials say the outcome highlights the growing strength and resilience of Nigerian forces in the ongoing fight against insurgency.
