President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the terrorist attack on Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, describing the incident as a tragic loss of innocent lives.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President extended condolences to families of civilians and soldiers killed during the assault carried out by insurgents linked to Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
Tinubu also acknowledged that some casualties occurred during a subsequent aerial operation by the Nigerian Air Force targeting fleeing terrorists, an incident authorities described as friendly fire.
While mourning the victims, the President commended the swift response of troops under Operation Hadin Kai, whose coordinated air and ground operations reportedly neutralised more than 50 terrorists as they attempted to escape after the failed attack.
Security sources said the insurgents had launched a coordinated assault on Nigerian Army artillery positions in Ngoshe on March 3. Troops later mobilised reinforcements while air assets carried out precision strikes on clusters of fleeing fighters along their withdrawal routes.
The strikes, guided by real-time intelligence from ground forces, lasted for about an hour and dealt heavy losses to the insurgents.
Tinubu urged residents of Borno State and Nigerians not to succumb to fear, assuring them that the government remains committed to protecting lives and restoring peace in the North-East.
He also directed security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue persons abducted during the attack and strengthen the protection of communities and military formations in the region.
The President prayed for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives and reaffirmed his administration’s determination to defeat terrorism and secure the country.
Tinubu Mourns Victims of Ngoshe Attack as NAF Airstrikes Kill 50 Terrorists
