Nigeria will conquer terrorism, says Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima. Credit: X | Kashim Shettima.

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Vice President Kashim Shettima has assured Nigerians that the country will conquer terrorism and restore peace to the troubled area.

The Vice President stated this on Friday during his visit to the survivors of Wednesday’s mosque bombing at Gamboru Market in Maiduguri, Borno State.

He assured residents of the state that the Federal Government remains resolute in protecting lives and property.

Speaking at the Muhammadu Buhari Trauma Centre of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, where victims of the attack were receiving treatment, Shettima conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s sympathy and reaffirmed the government’s determination to end insecurity in the state.

“We are here on behalf of the President to sympathise with the victims and to reassure the good people of Borno State and indeed the entire nation that the government remains unwavering in its commitment to secure the lives and property of our citizens,” the Vice President stated in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communication, Stanley Nkwocha.

“By the grace of God, this madness will soon be brought to an end,” he said, visibly moved by the condition of the victims, Nkwocha noted.

The Chief Medical Director of UMTH briefed the Vice President that 14 patients were admitted following the blast, with one patient dying shortly after arrival, bringing the death toll to five.

According to the CMD, seven victims remained on admission, including one in critical condition at the intensive care unit, while five others had been treated and discharged.

Shettima, who was accompanied by Governor Babagana Zulum during the hospital visit, commended the Borno State chief executive for his “sustained efforts” in addressing security and humanitarian challenges.

“The Governor of Borno has been working round the clock to complement the efforts of the Federal Government. I sincerely appreciate his commitment,” Shettima said.

He emphasised the unity between the federal and state governments in confronting the security challenges facing the northeast.

“Most importantly, we are united in victory as well as in challenges. We are one nation, tied to a common destiny,” the Vice President added.

Zulum, in his response, reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting security operations and providing humanitarian assistance to victims of insurgency.

The explosion occurred at approximately 6:00 pm on Wednesday at the Al-Adum Jumaat Mosque near Gamboru Market during evening prayers.

A spokesman for Operation Hadin Kai, Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, confirmed Thursday that preliminary investigations indicated the blast was caused by a suspected Boko Haram suicide bomber who detonated an IED, killing himself and two civilians at the scene.

The Borno State Police Command spokesperson, Nahum Daso, said preliminary investigations suggested a suicide bombing based on the recovery of fragments of a suspected suicide vest and witness statements.

Wednesday’s attack disrupted the relative calm in Maiduguri’s urban centre, as the last major attack was recorded in 2021.

Maiduguri has been at the centre of a prolonged insurgency led by Boko Haram and its offshoot, the Islamic State West Africa Province, since 2009.

The insurgents have historically targeted mosques, markets, and crowded public spaces using suicide bombers and improvised explosive devices.

According to the 2025 Global Terrorism Index, Nigeria now ranks sixth globally, moving up from the eighth position in 2023 and 2024, indicating ongoing systemic challenges in addressing terrorism.

In the aftermath of the blast, the Borno State Police Command deployed over 1,000 officers statewide, while the Explosives Ordnance Disposal unit conducted routine sweeping and scanning of worship centres and recreational areas.

Other states, including Sokoto, also reinforced security at worship and recreation centres during the Christmas period.

With three years of experience, Stephen, The PUNCH correspondent, has been covering Nigeria’s presidency, politics, security, immigration and trafficking in persons

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