Nigeria’s Acting President Yemi Osinbajo has ordered the continuation of search and rescue missions to locate and ensure the freedom of all remaining abducted persons by Boko Haram insurgents.
Osinbajo, in a statement on Sunday by his Spokesman, Laolu Akande, said the Nigerian governments is not only on top of the situation in Borno State, but will also win the peace and the war against Boko Haram.
He spoke days after a deadly ambush by Boko Haram terrorists in the North-east led to the deaths of dozens of NNPC and University of Maiduguri staff, out on an oil exploration in the Lake Chad Basin describing the ambush as appalling.
Osinbajo also commiserated with the families, relatives and associates of those who lost their lives in the despicable onslaught and wished the injured speedy recovery.
While commending the military for the progress in the region, he however, also ordered the military to use all available and expedient means in the circumstances in ensuring the rescue of those held captive.
He added that justice would be pursued for the victims and against the insurgents for acts that are “unacceptable, criminal and terrorist conduct.”
He praised the Nigerian soldiers who have paid the ultimate price in this mission and others linked to the current insurgency, and gave a firm assurance that the welfare of the families of the soldiers will be prioritised.
He also commended the diligence of the management and staff of the NNPC, and the lecturers/consultants from the University of Maiduguri in pursuing Federal Government’s resolve to grow our country’s current crude oil reserve base through potential exploration in the Lake Chad Basin, stressing that the government will by no means be dissuaded.