Tinubu orders probe into killing of six soldiers by terrorists in Borno
Nigerian President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered a thorough investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding the death of six soldiers who lost their lives during the assault on January 4, 2025, by the Boko Haram insurgents.
It was gathered that the Boko Haram terrorists were last week Saturday launched an attack on a Forward Operating Base in the Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State, killing at least six newly recruited soldiers.
The assault launched, reportedly led to the disappearance of several soldiers.
Eyewitness accounts confirmed that facilities, including a school used as a temporary camp for the soldiers and military vehicles, were set ablaze by the insurgents.
An eyewitness, Umar Wakil, described the attack as “well-coordinated” and noted that the soldiers appeared unprepared for the onslaught.
“The attackers came with sophisticated weapons. They caught the soldiers off guard and carried out a coordinated attack,” Wakil said. “A friend of mine was killed during the attack. I can’t confirm the total number of casualties, but the victims were all newly recruited soldiers, people I was familiar with.”
However, the President, in a statement by his spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, while sympathising with the military and the families of gallant soldiers, commended the bravery and sacrifice of the fallen soldiers.
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The statement reads, “Their sacrifice in defending our nation will forever be honoured and remembered,” he said, underscoring the nation’s indebtedness to those who paid the ultimate price for its security.
The president also praised the Nigerian Armed Forces for their swift and decisive response to the attack.
Highlighting the air component’s effective retaliatory strikes, he stated, “This resolute action by the Army demonstrates the capability and readiness of our military to confront and defeat threats to our nation’s security.”
According to Tinubu, the targeted air raids successfully neutralised numerous terrorists and destroyed their assets as they attempted to flee.
Acknowledging the challenges faced by the military, the President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to eradicating terrorism and banditry, promising unwavering support for the armed forces.
“Your sacrifices and dedication do not go unnoticed, and we stand firmly behind you in this ongoing fight to eliminate these threats,” he added.
Additionally, he urged the military to intensify its operations, particularly in the Northwest, where bandits continue to endanger the lives and homes of innocent villagers.
The president also appealed to Nigerians, including the media, to rally behind the military’s efforts to restore peace and stability across the nation.
“We must remain united in our resolve to support our armed forces as they work tirelessly to protect our people and secure our nation,” he said.
The attack, described as a dawn assault on the Sabon Gida army base, claimed the lives of six soldiers but was met with a strong counterattack by the Nigerian Armed Forces, reflecting their determination to maintain national security amidst evolving threats.
Source: PUNCH
