President Muhammadu Buhari has condemned what he called “the dastardly attack on UN aid helicopter in the Northeast on Saturday by the Boko Haram terrorists.
The President however underscored the need for all humanitarian and other aid workers in the region to, at all times, properly coordinate movements — air or land, with the Theatre Commander and other military authorities. This indicates that the UN helicopter said to be on a mission to convey humanitarian workers was being flown without the knowledge of the military’s Command and Control Centre.
In his reaction that came almost 24 hours after reports of the deadly attack, President Buhari said: “This latest cowardly attack on the UN humanitarian helicopter is yet another desperate rear guard action by the Boko Haram terrorists who have been under intense pressure from the Nigerian military.”
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The President in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu reassured the international community and Nigerians that the latest cowardly attack on the UN helicopter which claimed the lives of two people, including a 5-year old baby, would not go without severe consequences.
He added that Boko Haram terrorists are clearly on the back foot and their increasing attacks on innocent civilians, including UN humanitarian workers, was part of their desperation to prove that they are strong in order to cover up their dwindling fortunes.
President Buhari said the security of foreigners and Nigerians remains the top priority of his administration, and shall leave no stone unturned until it eliminates the remorseless enemies of humanity.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)