By Kazeem Ugbodaga
President Bola Tinubu has issued a stern directive to Nigeria’s armed forces to intensify operations against terrorists following a devastating Boko Haram/ISWAP attack on the Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, which claimed lives among civilians, soldiers, and reportedly involved tragic friendly fire incidents.
In a statement released on Friday, by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu mourned the “innocent lives” lost, including military personnel and condemned the assault as a “heartless” act targeting hapless citizens.
The attack, which occurred around March 4-5, saw insurgents overrun parts of a military base, burn homes and vehicles, kill an unspecified number of soldiers and civilians, including a local imam in some reports, and abduct over 100 residents, predominantly women and children.
Thousands fled to neighboring Pulka, where displaced families have been forced to sleep in open spaces, roads, and school buildings amid fears of follow-up strikes.
While the President extended sympathies to grieving families and the Borno State Government, he struck a resolute tone by charging the military and security agencies to act urgently on two critical fronts: rescuing those kidnapped and ramping up nationwide civilian protection efforts, with specific emphasis on preventing attacks on military installations in the North East.
Tinubu commended the swift military response, particularly the Nigerian Air Force’s precision strikes under Operation Hadin Kai, which reportedly neutralized scores, possibly over 50, terrorists during their retreat, forcing the insurgents to withdraw.
However, he acknowledged the painful reality of collateral losses, including those from friendly fire during aerial interdiction of fleeing terrorists, underscoring the complexities and high stakes of counter-insurgency operations in the region.
The President’s strong directive comes against a backdrop of persistent insecurity in Borno despite years of military campaigns.
He urged Nigerians in Borno and beyond not to succumb to fear, framing resilience as a collective response to the insurgents’ barbarity.
Prayers were offered for the departed, with the statement reaffirming the administration’s commitment to supporting affected families and restoring peace to the troubled North East.
