Vice-President Kashim Shettima says the federal government has deployed additional tactical assets and intelligence-driven reinforcements to areas affected by the recent insurgent attacks in Borno.

In a statement on Saturday, Mr Shettima assured that President Bola Tinubu’s administration will not be cowed by despicable acts of cowardice and a doomed attempt to undermine the peace of the nation.

The vice-president reaffirmed that the administration remains resolute in its duty to protect the lives and property of all Nigerians.

“The events of the past few days are a painful reminder of the shadow that persists, but let it be known: we choose light over shadow, and hope over despair.

“Our difference as a nation is the distance between the ruin of anarchy and the promise of order.

“President Bola Tinubu has been briefed and has already directed a swift and total mobilisation of our security architecture.

“The federal government will not tolerate any sanctuary for those who seek to displace our people or occupy an inch of Nigerian soil,” he said.

The vice-president also assured that the perpetrators of “these beastly crimes” would face the full wrath of the law.

According to him, the nation is not just fighting a war, but defending the very soul of its humanity against those who preach a toxic rhetoric of hate, and it will not be cowed by their gory acts.

“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.”

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

“We remain one nation, tied to a common destiny. The sanctity of human life is non-negotiable.

”This madness will be brought to an end, not with empty words, but with the decisive and overwhelming force of the Nigerian State,” he further assured. 

(NAN)