Tinubu Orders Service Chiefs To Maiduguri After Deadly Terror Attacks

Tinubu Directs Military Leadership to Frontlines

PRESIDENT Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered Nigeria’s service chiefs to relocate to Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, following a wave of coordinated terrorist attacks that left dozens dead and over 100 injured.

The directive, announced in a State House statement on Tuesday, is aimed at strengthening operational control and preventing further violence in the troubled North-East region.

Coordinated Attacks Rock Maiduguri

The attacks targeted three major public locations—the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, the Post Office and the El-Kanemi Monday Market—killing at least 23 people and injuring more than 100 others.

Security agencies also reported attempted assaults on military positions in Ajilari, a garrison area near a Nigerian Air Force base and the Maiduguri airport. Similar attacks were recorded in Baga, Bututai and Damboa, though authorities said they were successfully repelled.

President Mourns Victims, Assures Residents

Tinubu expressed deep sorrow over the incidents, describing them as “desperate and frantic attempts” by terrorists facing sustained military pressure.

He extended condolences to the families of victims and assured residents of Borno State of the federal government’s support, reiterating that security forces would not allow insurgents to regain ground.

“There is no place in Nigeria where terrorists will find safety,” the president stated.

Renewed Push Against Insurgency

The president disclosed that additional military equipment and operational support had recently been approved to enhance the capacity of security agencies.

He also directed emergency response agencies to provide immediate and adequate medical care to those injured in the attacks.

Tinubu commended the military for repelling multiple assaults, noting that the attackers appeared increasingly weakened despite the scale of the coordinated strikes.

Insurgency Enters Prolonged Phase

Nigeria’s battle against the Boko Haram insurgency has now stretched into its 17th year, having begun in 2009 following clashes with security forces.

The group’s founder, Mohammed Yusuf, was killed early in the conflict, with leadership later passing to Abubakar Shekau, who died in 2021 after clashes with rival faction Islamic State West Africa Province.

Recent intelligence suggests a resurgence of insurgent activities, with ISWAP deploying more advanced tactics, including drone-assisted attacks on military installations.

Calls for Strategy Review

Security analysts warn that the renewed attacks signal a dangerous shift, reminiscent of pre-2015 insurgency levels.

Defence authorities, including Christopher Musa, have called for a recalibration of military strategy to counter evolving threats in the region.

Conclusion

Tinubu’s decision to move top military leadership to Maiduguri underscores the urgency of the situation as Nigeria confronts a potential resurgence of insurgency.

With intensified operations and renewed focus, the government faces mounting pressure to restore security and prevent further loss of life in the North-East.