President Muhammadu Buhari said Friday that the attack by terrorists on security forces in the Ajata-Aboki community in the Shiroro local government area of Niger state was a direct attack on the Nigerian state that will not go unpunished.
PREMIUM TIMES reported that at least 43 people, including 37 security personnel, were killed during the attack.
Buhari’s media aide Garba Shehu said in a statement that the president paid tribute to the security officials who lost their lives during the attack.
“We honor our security forces, and particularly those brave souls who have given their lives fighting the evil that is terrorism. They are the best that Nigeria has to offer and we remember each one of them.
“Sadly, Nigeria’s fight against terrorism continues. It is a battle that is taking its toll on all of us. But we will not give in, nor will we give up.
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“We repeat that we have reduced Boko Haram to a shell of its former self. But terrorists are parasites. They thrive when the world is suffering.
“This atrocity only serves to further strengthen us against them. Nigeria is united to annihilate these demons. Every day we get closer to that goal. When they attack in times of global suffering it is the act of a cornered animal, an act of desperation.
“As always, their goal is the same: to sow fear and division among us. We will not let them.
“Instead, let us pray for the families and loved ones of those who sacrificed their lives in the fight against evil, and let us pray for the safe and speedy return of those abducted. We will do everything possible to ensure your return.
“And to the sadists I say this: we are getting there. No matter what rock you crawl under, what hole you sink into, what lie you hide in, we will come and find you. Shiroro will see justice. Nigeria will know peace,” the president said in the statement.