VICE President Kashim Shettima has vowed that the Federal Government will bring an end to insurgency in Nigeria’s North-East through what he described as the “decisive and overwhelming force of the Nigerian State.”
His remarks followed a series of renewed attacks by insurgents in Borno State that resulted in casualties among security personnel and civilians.
In a statement sent to News Point Nigeria on Saturday by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President said the Federal Government would not be intimidated by the latest wave of violence, which included coordinated assaults on military formations and abductions of residents.
According to Shettima, the government has already begun deploying additional tactical assets and intelligence-driven reinforcements to affected areas to contain the situation and prevent further attacks.
“We remain one nation, tied to a common destiny. The sanctity of human life is non-negotiable,” the Vice President said.
“This madness will be brought to an end, not with empty words, but with the decisive and overwhelming force of the Nigerian State.”
Shettima disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had been fully briefed on the recent attacks and had directed a swift and comprehensive mobilisation of the country’s security architecture to respond to the threat.
According to him, the government is determined to ensure that insurgents do not gain control of any part of Nigerian territory.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has already directed a swift and total mobilisation of our security architecture,” he said.
“The Federal Government will not tolerate any sanctuary for those who seek to displace our people or occupy an inch of Nigerian soil.”
The latest attacks reportedly targeted several military formations across Borno State, including those located in Konduga, Marte, Jakana and Mainok.
Security sources said insurgents briefly overran some of the positions before reinforcements from the Nigerian military arrived to repel the attackers.
In another incident, residents of Ngoshe in Gwoza Local Government Area were abducted by suspected terrorists, further heightening security concerns in the region.
The Vice President described the insurgency as a battle not only for territorial security but also for the protection of humanity and national values.
“We are not just fighting a war. We are defending the very soul of our humanity against those who preach a toxic rhetoric of hate, and we will not be cowed by their acts,” Shettima said.
He also assured Nigerians that perpetrators of the attacks would face the full weight of the law and that the government would not relent until abducted citizens are safely reunited with their families.
“Our hearts bleed for the families and the brave soldiers who paid the supreme price in the line of duty,” he said.
“This administration will not rest until abducted citizens safely reunite with their families.”
Shettima commended the resilience of residents of Borno State and praised the efforts of the state government led by Babagana Umara Zulum.
He also applauded the bravery and sacrifices of Nigerian troops currently engaged in operations against insurgent groups across the North-East.