Tinubu says his administration will come down heavily on security operatives attackers 

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President Bola Tinubu has said his administration will take decisive action against individuals who persistently engage in unwarranted attacks on the officers and personnel of our armed forces. 

Mr Tinubu personally conveyed this stance while expressing his dismay over the tragic killing of five soldiers by suspected militants affiliated with the proscribed terrorist organisation, IPOB.

He said: “The slain soldiers were on peacekeeping duty in Aba, Abia State on Thursday when they were murdered, just two months after a similar tragic incident happened in Okuama in Delta state.

“These unwarranted barbaric and evil acts stand condemned and should never be condoned and tolerated in our country.”

The President emphasised that soldiers and police officers bear the solemn responsibility of safeguarding Nigerians from aggressors and non-state actors. 

He noted that hundreds of them have made the ultimate sacrifice in the fulfillment of their duty, while others have endured the indignity of being manhandled by the very people they serve and protect.

“They surely do not deserve the mindless attacks by unruly elements in our society. On no account should anyone, under any guise, have the audacity to kill agents of state.

“I want to make it clear that the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the armed forces have the capacity to crush violent non-state actors, making our communities unsafe,” Mr Tinubu added. 

He, however, urged security agencies not only to fish out the masterminds and perpetrators of the Aba attack but also those calling on people to stay at home. 

President Tinubu said, “Their action is nothing but a treasonable offence. The fact that the security forces are exercising necessary restraints should not be mistaken for weakness. We are working to build a peaceful and harmonious society, but nobody should be under any illusion that the government will not act appropriately when the lives of our officers and men are wantonly taken. 

“While my condolences go to the families of the five slain soldiers, their colleagues, and the leadership of our armed forces, I urge other men and women on peacekeeping duty not to  be discouraged by the unfortunate incident in Aba.”