Buhari reacts to killing of soldiers, says Nigeria will prevail over Boko Haram

President Buhari has expressed shock over the gruesome killings of Nigerian soldiers by Boko Haram. The reaction of the president is coming at about 48 hours after the tragic incident occurred. Mr. Buhari had on Friday met with the service chiefs on review of security tactics in order to be able to nip the new trend of attacks on the military in the bud. However, president Buhari had warned against those making political capital out of national disaster to desist forthwith. He said no commander-in-chief would rest on its oars to allow gruesome killings of the nation's military. He therefore expressed readiness to better equip the military in order to tackle the new challenge head on. Below is the statement released by the Senior Special Assistant to the president on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu:


NIGERIA WILL PREVAIL OVER BOKO HARAM, PRESIDENT BUHARI ASSURES

President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed deep shock over the killing of military personnel in Metele village of Borno State by Boko Haram terrorists, assuring at the same time that immediate measures are being taken to ensure that the loopholes which led to the fatalities are blocked once and for all.

Reacting to the tragic incident, the President 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.”

The President noted that fighting terrorism has taken a global dimension, which necessitates international collaboration among states facing similar security challenges.

President Buhari 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.

He, however, advised 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.

GARBA SHEHU
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
November 24, 2018