Vice President Kashim Shettima has declared that the federal government will not be intimidated by recent insurgent attacks in Borno State, assuring Nigerians that the administration remains committed to restoring peace and security across the country.

Shettima’s statement comes after renewed attacks by suspected insurgents in parts of Borno, including reported abductions in Ngoshe and coordinated assaults on military formations in Konduga, Marte, Jakana and Mainok.

In a statement issued on Saturday by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, the vice president, condemned the attacks and described them as desperate attempts to undermine the nation’s collective peace.

He disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been fully briefed on the situation and has ordered a swift mobilisation of Nigeria’s security architecture to address the threat.

According to Shettima, the federal government has already begun deploying additional tactical assets and intelligence-driven reinforcements to the affected communities in Borno State.

“The events of the past few days are a painful reminder of the security challenges we still face, but we choose hope over despair,” the vice president said.

He stressed that the government would not allow terrorists or criminal elements to occupy any part of Nigerian territory or displace citizens from their communities.

Shettima also assured that those responsible for the attacks would face the full weight of the law.

“Our hearts go out to the families affected by the attacks and to the brave soldiers who paid the ultimate price in defence of the nation,” he added.

The vice president further commended the resilience of the people of Borno State and praised Governor Babagana Zulum for his leadership in confronting the insurgency.

He also applauded the courage and dedication of Nigerian troops fighting on the frontline, assuring that the government would continue to support them in the ongoing fight against terrorism.

Shettima reaffirmed that the Tinubu administration remains determined to end insurgency and protect the lives and property of Nigerians.

At least 16 people have reportedly been killed following fresh attacks by suspected armed herdsmen on several communities in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State.

Local sources said the attacks occurred between Thursday night and the early hours of Friday, targeting communities including Jato-Aka, Mbachon, and Tse-Yough in the Yaav Council Ward of the local government area. The assailants reportedly opened fire on residents, leaving many dead while several others sustained injuries, and some remain missing.

Residents said the attackers stormed the communities in large numbers, shooting sporadically and causing panic among villagers, many of whom fled into nearby bushes to escape the violence. Several houses and properties were also reportedly destroyed during the assault.

Reacting to the incident, Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia strongly condemned the killings, describing the attack as “barbaric, senseless and unacceptable.” He expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and extended condolences to the families of the victims.

The governor assured residents that the state government would work with security agencies to ensure that those responsible for the attack were apprehended and brought to justice. He also called on security operatives to intensify efforts to protect lives and property in the affected communities.

Authorities said investigations into the attack are ongoing, while security agencies have reportedly been deployed to the affected areas to restore calm and prevent further violence.

The latest attack highlights the continuing security challenges in parts of Benue State, particularly in rural communities where clashes and raids have frequently led to loss of lives and displacement of residents.

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved the promotion of seven Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) to the rank of Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (DIGs) in a move aimed at strengthening the leadership structure of the Nigeria Police Force.

The Commission disclosed that the promotions followed a rigorous selection process that included merit assessment, seniority, service records, as well as written examinations and oral interviews conducted at its corporate headquarters in Abuja.

The officers elevated to the rank of DIG include Zachariah Fera Achinyan, Zango Ibrahim Baba, Isyaku Mohammed, Margaret Agebe Ochalla, Mohammed Abdul Sulaiman, Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, and Umar Shehu Nadada.

According to the Commission, the promotions became necessary following vacancies created by the recent retirement of eight Deputy Inspectors-General of Police who previously held key positions within the force.

The development comes shortly after the elevation of Fayoade Adegoke to the substantive rank of Deputy Inspector-General of Police, a move that will see him join the Force Management Team.

Chairman of the Commission, Hashimu Salihu Argungu, a retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police, congratulated the newly promoted officers and urged them to justify the confidence placed in them.

Argungu charged the officers to uphold professionalism, strengthen internal discipline within the force, and prioritise national security in the discharge of their duties. He also emphasised the need for stronger collaboration with the Commission in advancing ongoing reforms and institutional development within the Nigeria Police Force.

The PSC noted that the promotions form part of broader efforts to reinforce leadership capacity and improve operational effectiveness within the nation’s policing system.