By Dipo Olowookere
Nigerian President, Mr Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday expressed deep shock over the killing of military personnel in Metele village of Borno State by Boko Haram terrorists.
In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media & Publicity, Mr Garba Shehu, the President assured that immediate measures were being taken to ensure that the loopholes which led to the fatalities were blocked once and for all.
Reacting to the tragic incident, Mr Buhari said that his administration remains ever committed and focused on the security of military personnel and other citizens.
According to President Buhari, “No responsible Commander-in-Chief would rest on his oars or fold his hands to allow terrorists to endanger the lives of its military personnel and other citizens.”
“Our loyal forces have proved their strength over the terrorists and we are ready to give them all the needed support in terms of equipment and manpower to succeed in ending the renewed threat. In the coming days, I am engaging the military and intelligence chiefs in extensive discussions on the next steps we shall be taking,” he assured.
The President noted that fighting terrorism has taken a global dimension, which necessitates international collaboration among states facing similar security challenges.
He reassured Nigerians of his continued commitment to their security and of his efforts to sustain the momentum in the previous significant successes recorded against the terrorists.
However, Mr Buhari warned Nigerians against making a political capital out of national tragedy, stressing that members of the armed forces are one family who are commonly committed to the security and safety of all Nigerians.
Business Post reports that this week, several military personnel were killed by insurgents. Though government and the military authorities have refused to state the number of the human causalities, reports in the media put the number of the Nigerian troops killed at 45 to 100.
