Maiduguri blasts: Tinubu mourns victims, vows intensified crackdown on terrorists

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has condemned the recent bomb blasts in Maiduguri, Borno State, describing the attacks as desperate attempts by terrorists to instil fear amid sustained pressure from Nigerian security forces.

The president’s reaction follows confirmation by the Borno State Police Command that 23 persons were killed and 108 others injured in multiple explosions that rocked parts of the state capital on Monday evening.

The attacks, which occurred at about 7:24 p.m., targeted crowded locations including the Maiduguri Central Market, popularly known as Monday Market, the gate of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, and the Post Office Flyover.

Police authorities said preliminary investigations indicated that the explosions were caused by improvised explosive devices (IEDs) deployed by suspected suicide bombers.

Reacting in a statement on Tuesday, Mr Tinubu expressed grief over the incident and extended condolences to the victims and residents of the state.

“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,” he said.

The president, however, insisted that the attacks signalled weakening terror groups under sustained military pressure.

“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 assured Nigerians that the government would intensify its operations against insurgents and other criminal elements across the country.

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

Mr Tinubu also commended the military for repelling coordinated attacks on their positions in the state, describing the troops as courageous and patriotic.

“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.

“The Monday attacks were desperate acts of the evil-minded terrorist groups. Our gallant military and civilian task forces will curtail and put them down.”

The president disclosed that additional measures had already been taken to strengthen security operations.

“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.”

He added that security chiefs had been directed to relocate to Maiduguri to oversee operations, while emergency agencies had been instructed to provide adequate care for victims.

“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.”

Mr Tinubu reiterated his administration’s resolve to eliminate terrorism and restore lasting peace across the country.

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

“Nigeria will not succumb to fear.”

Security has since been heightened across Maiduguri, with joint teams of police, military and other operatives maintaining a strong presence in affected areas, while emergency responders continue to support victims receiving treatment in various medical facilities.