President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has mourned the loss of innocent lives, including military personnel and civilians caught in friendly fire during an aerial operation by the Nigerian Air Force while pursuing fleeing terrorists in Ngoshe community, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
In a condolence message issued on Friday by the Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of those affected by the recent Boko Haram attack on the community.
President Tinubu described the assault as a ”heartless attack on defenceless citizens and urged Nigerians in Borno State and across the country not to succumb to fear in the face of terrorist threats.”
He commended the military for its swift response to the incident, noting that the operation led to the neutralisation of several terrorists and forced others to retreat.
The President further directed the armed forces and other security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue individuals abducted during the attack.
He also charged security forces to strengthen measures aimed at protecting civilians across the country and preventing further assaults on military installations in the North-East.
President Tinubu prayed for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives in the attack and the aerial operation, while extending his sympathies to their families and the Government of Borno State.