President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the recent terrorist attacks in Maiduguri, describing the incident as painful while assuring residents of Borno State that the Federal Government will intensify efforts to defeat insurgents.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President sympathised with families who lost loved ones in the attacks and wished those injured a speedy recovery.

“The recent news from Maiduguri, Borno State, is profoundly upsetting. I mourn those who lost their lives, sympathise with the injured and stand in solidarity with the people of Borno during this challenging time,” Tinubu said.

The President described the attacks as the “final desperate and frantic attempts” by terrorists who are increasingly under pressure from Nigerian security forces.

“I want to make it categorically clear that these acts of terror are the final desperate and frantic attempts by criminals and terrorist elements trying to instil and spread fear, as they are under constant pressure from our brave armed forces and security agencies operating in various theatres,” he stated.

Tinubu emphasised that security forces would continue to intensify operations against criminal and terrorist groups across the country.

“We will continue to intensify our efforts against all criminal elements, wherever they may be,” he added.

The President also praised members of the armed forces and security agencies for their efforts in repelling coordinated terrorist attacks on military positions in the state.

“I must commend the courage and fighting spirit of our patriotic troops who successfully repelled the coordinated attacks by these terrorists on military positions in the state,” he said.

According to him, the attacks carried out on Monday were “desperate acts of evil-minded terrorist groups.”

“Our gallant military and civilian task forces will curtail and put them down,” Tinubu added.

As part of measures to address the situation, Tinubu said he had ordered security chiefs to relocate to Maiduguri to coordinate operations on the ground.

He also disclosed that during a security meeting held with leaders of the nation’s intelligence and security agencies last weekend, he approved additional operational support and equipment to strengthen the fight against insurgency.

“Just last weekend, during a security meeting with leaders of security and intelligence agencies, I approved additional equipment and operational support to enhance their capabilities. This effort is already in progress,” the President said.

Tinubu further directed emergency management agencies to provide immediate support and medical care for those injured in the attacks.

“Additionally, I have directed security chiefs to move to Maiduguri to take charge of the situation. I have also directed the emergency agencies to provide proper care for the injured,” he stated.

Reaffirming the government’s determination to tackle terrorism across the country, the President said security forces would track down and defeat those responsible for the attacks.

“There is no place in Nigeria where terrorists will find safety. We will locate them, confront them, and completely defeat them,” Tinubu declared.

He stressed that the country would not bow to intimidation from violent groups.

“Nigeria will not succumb to fear,” the President added.