Buhari finally speaks on killing of Soldiers by Boko Haram

President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday finally broke his silence over the killing of soldiers in Metele, Borno State by a Boko Haram faction.

The Islamic State sponsored faction of the terrorist group killed over 100 soldiers of the 157 Task Force Battalion in an attack on November 18.

Buhari’s reaction comes almost a week after the attack by the insurgents.

In a statement released by Garba Shehu, senior special assistant to the president on media and publicity, President Buhari expressed deep shock over the killings while assuring that immediate measures are being taken to ensure that loopholes which led to the fatalities are blocked once and for all.

In his reaction, the President stated that his administration remains ever committed and focused on the security of military personnel and other citizens.

“No responsible Commander-in-Chief would rest on his oars or fold his hands to allow terrorists to endanger the lives of its military personnel and other citizens. Our loyal forces have proved their strength over the terrorists and we are ready to give them all the needed support in terms of equipment and manpower to succeed in ending the renewed threat. In the coming days, I am engaging the Military and Intelligence Chiefs in extensive discussions on the next steps we shall be taking,” the statement quoted Buhari.

The President said there will be need for international collaboration among states fighting terrorism as the security challenge has taken a global dimension.

“President Buhari reassured Nigerians of his continued commitment to their security and of his efforts to sustain the momentum in the previous significant successes recorded against the terrorists,” the statement continued.

“He, however, advised Nigerians against making a political capital out of national tragedy, stressing that members of the armed forces are one family who are commonly committed to the security and safety of all Nigerians.”