Insurgency: Shettima Vows ‘Overwhelming Force’ to End North-East Crisis

Vice President Kashim Shettima has declared that the Federal Government will deploy “decisive and overwhelming force” to bring an end to insurgency in the North-East, following a series of deadly attacks on military formations and civilian communities in Borno State.

In a statement issued on Saturday by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President affirmed that the government would not be intimidated by the recent incidents, which included coordinated assaults on military bases and the abduction of residents in Ngoshe.

“We remain one nation, tied to a common destiny. The sanctity of human life is non-negotiable,” Shettima said. “This madness will be brought to an end, not with empty words, but with the decisive and overwhelming force of the Nigerian State.”

The Vice President disclosed that additional tactical assets and intelligence-driven reinforcements are being deployed to affected areas. He noted that President Bola Tinubu had been fully briefed on the attacks and has directed an immediate and comprehensive mobilisation of the nation’s security architecture.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has already directed a swift and total mobilisation of our security architecture,” Shettima stated. “The Federal Government will not tolerate any sanctuary for those who seek to displace our people or occupy an inch of Nigerian soil.”

The recent wave of violence targeted military locations in Konduga, Marte, Jakana, and Mainok. In some instances, insurgents briefly overran positions before reinforcement troops arrived. In the Ngoshe community, located in Gwoza Local Government Area near the Cameroon border, residents were abducted by the terrorists.

“We are not just fighting a war. We are defending the very soul of our humanity against those who preach a toxic rhetoric of hate, and we will not be cowed by their gory acts,” Shettima added.

The Vice President extended condolences to the families of security personnel and civilians who lost their lives, assuring citizens that the administration would not rest until all abducted persons are safely reunited with their families.

“Our hearts bleed for the families and the brave soldiers who paid the supreme price in the line of duty. This administration will not rest until abducted citizens safely reunite with their families,” he said.

Shettima commended the resilience of the people and government of Borno State under Governor Babagana Zulum, and praised the gallantry of troops operating on the frontlines.

President Tinubu had earlier reached out to Governor Zulum by phone to express sympathy and solidarity with the state. During an interfaith breaking of fast with service chiefs on Friday, the President reassured the military of Nigeria’s ultimate victory over terrorism.

“I appreciate all the people facing the challenges of terrorism and banditry. We will win. Nigeria will prevail,” Tinubu said.

Borno State has been the epicentre of the Boko Haram insurgency and attacks by the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) since 2009. Despite sustained military operations, communities near the Cameroon border, such as Ngoshe, have continued to face repeated attacks, with residents often abducted for ransom or forced labour. The recent assaults follow a period of relative calm in some parts of the state.