Vice President Kashim Shettima touched down in Maiduguri on Friday for a solemn condolence visit, meeting families of Nigerian soldiers killed during a fierce terrorist assault in Damboa. The trip, carried out at the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was a clear signal that the Federal Government stands with the troops and communities bearing the brunt of the insurgency.
Shettima’s visit followed a deadly clash at a Forward Operating Base in Sabon Gari, Damboa Local Government Area, where troops repelled a large-scale Boko Haram/ISWAP attack. While the Army successfully neutralized 34 terrorists and destroyed enemy assets, the victory came at a painful cost: several soldiers paid the ultimate price defending the base and surrounding communities.
Addressing grieving families, the Vice President conveyed President Tinubu’s “deepest sympathies” and the nation’s gratitude. “These men died so others may live. Their sacrifice in defending the nation will forever be honoured and remembered,” Shettima said, pledging immediate support to widows, children, and dependents left behind.
Beyond the barracks, Shettima paid a condolence call on Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, at the Government House. The two leaders discussed ongoing military operations and welfare for frontline troops. Shettima reaffirmed that President Tinubu had ordered a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the attack to extract lessons and prevent future occurrences. 1c51
The Vice President’s delegation reflected the gravity of the moment. With him were federal lawmakers from Borno — Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, Hon. Abdulkadir Rahis, and Hon. Usman Zannah — along with Minister of Transportation AjiKolo Ali Gujja and other top APC figures. They were received at Maiduguri International Airport by Governor Zulum, Deputy Governor Umar Kadafur, and senior party officials. 1c51
President Tinubu, in a separate statement, commended the Armed Forces for their swift and decisive response, particularly the Air Component which launched targeted retaliatory strikes as terrorists attempted to flee. The air raids, he noted, resulted in “significant neutralisation of numerous terrorists and the destruction of their assets”. 1037
Shettima’s condolence mission also doubled as a morale boost for the theatre. He told officers that the Federal Government is reviewing strategy and accelerating deployment of advanced drones and intelligence assets to “wipe out terrorist groups across the country.” The Tinubu administration, he added, is weighing state police as a grassroots security layer to complement the military.
The Vice President did not shy away from the human toll of the war. “One life lost in cold blood is as gruesome as millions lost in cold blood,” he told journalists, echoing the late Dele Giwa, after meeting wounded personnel. He announced personal donations to victims’ families and said NEMA and the North East Development Commission had been mobilized for relief.
For Borno residents, the visit was both grief and reassurance. Shettima reiterated that “no matter how long the night is, it must give way to the light of dawn,” vowing that the government “will not relent” until peace and sanity are fully restored to the Northeast. c6c5
Before departing, the Vice President held closed-door talks with traditional and religious leaders, seeking community support for intelligence gathering and troop welfare. He urged citizens to keep faith with the military, stressing that cooperation is key to ending the insurgency.
The Damboa attack, though bloody, showed the resilience of Nigerian troops who stood their ground against overwhelming numbers. With 34 terrorists eliminated, the FOB held. But the price — the lives of young soldiers — was etched on every face Shettima consoled.
As the Vice President left Maiduguri, the message was unmistakable: Abuja hears Borno, sees its sacrifices, and will back its fight. For the families of the fallen, that pledge was a small comfort. For the troops still in the trenches, it was a reminder that Nigeria watches, mourns, and remains in their debt.
