President Bola Tinubu has issued a stern warning to terrorist groups targeting military personnel, affirming Nigeria’s capability to confront and neutralize such threats.
This statement comes in the wake of a recent attack in Aba, Abia State, which resulted in the killing of five soldiers. The incident mirrors a similar attack that occurred two months earlier in Okuama, Delta State.
In his address, President Tinubu expressed deep sorrow over the killing of soldiers by suspected militants from the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) during the commemoration of Biafra Day. He emphasized that his administration would not tolerate actions he described as treasonous and condemned the attacks as heinous and unjustifiable.
“I am deeply saddened by the news of the killing of five soldiers by suspected militants from the banned terrorist organization, IPOB. These soldiers, on peacekeeping duty in Aba, Abia State, were brutally murdered, echoing a similar tragic event in Okuama, Delta State, just two months ago,” Tinubu stated.
“These heinous and unjustifiable acts must be condemned and will not be tolerated in our nation. Our soldiers and police officers have the crucial responsibility of protecting us from aggressors and non-state actors. Many have paid the ultimate price in the line of duty, while others have faced mistreatment from those they protect. They do not deserve the senseless attacks by rogue elements in our society.”
President Tinubu reiterated the federal government’s commitment to taking decisive action against those who habitually target military personnel. He stressed that no one should feel emboldened to attack state agents under any pretext.
“I want to be clear: the Federal Republic of Nigeria and its armed forces possess the capability to crush violent non-state actors that threaten our communities’ safety,” he asserted. “I call on security agencies to not only apprehend the masterminds and perpetrators of the Aba attack but also those inciting people to stay at home. Their actions constitute a treasonable offence.”
Tinubu concluded by warning that the restraint exercised by security forces should not be mistaken for weakness, emphasizing the government’s commitment to building a peaceful society while retaining the resolve to act decisively when the lives of officers and men are at risk.