No fewer than five persons died during multiple bomb explosions in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, ahead of the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.)’s visit to the state on Thursday.
The bombs landed at different parts of the city not far from the Maiduguri airport at 10:45am before the President arrived at the airport at about 11:40am
A resident of Ajilari Cross area of the metropolis, Maina Mohammed, told one of correspondents that a bomb exploded very close to his house killing a lady and injuring two young boys.
“It dropped in my area. I am there right now. It killed an 18-year-old girl and injured two young boys.” Mohammed said.
Another resident of the city, Umar Tijani, said a bomb was dropped at a mosque in the Umaru Shehu Hospital but did not affect anybody.
He added that there were other explosions at 1,000 Housing and 707 Housing estates within the metropolis.
Tijani stated, “A bomb was dropped at a mosque in Umaru Shehu Hospital but there was nobody in the mosque.
“There were also other bombs that were dropped at 707 and 1,000 Housing Estates. They destroyed houses in those estates and killed four people. “
The explosions took place in areas close to the Maiduguri Airport and the Nigerian Air Force base where the President landed to inaugurate projects in the state.
Addressing troops of troops of Operation Hadin Kai in Maiduguri, Buhari urged them to stay focused to achieve the strategic goal of their campaign; the defeat of all adversaries.
The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, disclosed this in a statement titled, ‘We’re in final phase of campaign against insurgencyand other forms of criminalities—President Buhari.’
While condoling with families that lost loved ones during the explosions, and the wounded, Buhari said, “I urge you also to stay focused to achieve our strategic end, which is the defeat of all adversaries and restoration of an economically viable North-East geo-political zone and other parts of the country where Nigerians are free to go about their activities without fear of harassment.”
He assured families of soldiers who paid the supreme price for the nation and the injured that the Federal Government would cater for their needs.
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The President stated, “Your career is like no other because it is a conscious commitment and preparedness to give your best for the sake of others.
“I am therefore here on behalf of a grateful nation to thank and commend you for your service and sacrifices.
“Let me start by commiserating with you all on the unfortunate loss of Brigadier General Dzarma Zirkushu and other personnel of 25 and 28 Task Force Brigades, who died on November 13, 2021.
According to him, the government will continue to ensure that the widows and children of fallen heroes are well catered for, to help them fully realise their potentials.
The President noted that the response exhibited across the theatre had shown extraordinary resilience andsteadfastness in the face of adversity.
“That is the spirit, tenacity and resolve that the Nigerian Armed Forces is known for. Well done. Our country, just like all the others in the Sahel region, is faced with several security challenges that are largely characterised by the violent activities of non-state actors.
“This has necessitated several interventions aimed at ensuring the security of persons and property across the numerous hot spots.
“Further to the reorganisationsin the military leadership, concerted efforts are being made to improve your equipment holding. I am aware that you have started receiving some of the platforms procured by our administration while others would be received in theweeks ahead,” the President added.
While noting threats posed by criminals through the employment of improvised explosive devices, he said substantial resources had also been directed at procuring equipment for explosive ordnance disposal department.
According to Buhari, similar attention is being given to intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance assets.
