Vice President Kashim Shettima has strongly condemned the bomb explosion that claimed at least five lives and left several others injured at a mosque in Gamboru Market, Maiduguri, Borno State.
He described the attack as a heinous assault on innocent citizens and national peace.
In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima decried the attack and assured that the Federal Government is deploying additional tactical teams to the area to apprehend those responsible.
He said the Federal Government is working closely with state authorities and local security agencies to safeguard vulnerable communities and critical infrastructure across the North East and other regions.
“The Federal Government will not tolerate any attempt to undermine the peace and security of our nation. Our security agencies are working around the clock to ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous crime are brought to justice immediately,” he said.
Shettima added that President Bola Tinubu has ordered an immediate intensification of security operations in Borno State following the incident.
Assuring Nigerians of the Tinubu administration’s commitment to national security, the Vice President expressed confidence that the current security architecture would not only apprehend the perpetrators but also unravel the full circumstances surrounding the attack.
“We sympathize with the Government of Borno State, residents, and families who have lost their loved ones in this attack. The Federal Government is confident that those responsible for this despicable act of terrorism will face the full weight of the law,” he said.
Shettima emphasised that since President Tinubu assumed office in 2023, his administration has remained unwavering in safeguarding the security, unity, and stability of the nation.
“This commitment remains steadfast under God and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We will continue to provide our security agencies with all necessary resources and support to decisively defeat terrorism in all its forms,” he added.
The incident occurred at around 6:10 p.m. on Wednesday, less than 12 hours before Christmas, as Muslim worshippers were observing the Maghrib prayer.
“The Federal Government will not tolerate any attempt to undermine the peace and security of our nation. Our security agencies are working around the clock to ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous crime are brought to justice immediately,” the Vice President reiterated.