President Bola Tinubu on Thursday mourned the soldiers who were killed in an attack on an army base in Sabon Gida, Damboa, Borno State.

Members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) launched a pre-dawn attack in trucks and on motorcycles last Saturday on the base in Sabon Gari in Damboa area of Borno State.

They set fire to the base along with army vehicles, military sources said, on condition of anonymity as they are not authorised to speak on the incident.

Fighter jets deployed from the regional capital Maiduguri 100 kilometres (62 miles) away struck the attackers as they retreated.

Tinubu in a statement by the presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, expressed his profound sympathy to the military authorities following the loss of six brave soldiers during a dawn terrorist attack on January 4.

He ordered a “thorough investigation to uncover the circumstances that led to the unfortunate incident and ensure that it serves as a valuable lesson to prevent similar occurrences.”

“This resolute action by the Army demonstrates the capability and readiness of our military to confront and defeat threats to our nation’s security. Their actions testify to our resolve to eradicate terrorism and banditry, paving the way for a future where peace and security prevail for all Nigerians,” the President was quoted as saying.

I extend heartfelt gratitude and sympathy to our military and security forces on behalf of a grateful nation.

“Your sacrifices and dedication do not go unnoticed, and we stand firmly behind you in this ongoing fight to eliminate these threats.”

The Commander-in-Chief also commended the armed forces for their swift and decisive response, particularly the air component, in launching effective retaliatory strikes.

To Tinubu, the targeted air raids resulted in the significant neutralisation of numerous terrorists and the destruction of their assets as they attempted to flee.

The President wants the military to proactively take the war to the camps of bandits and terrorists.

He particularly emphasised the Northwest, where these criminals continue to threaten the lives and homes of innocent villagers.

Tinubu called on Nigerians and the media to support the military’s efforts to restore peace and security in the nation.

President Joe Biden on Wednesday canceled his upcoming trip to Italy to focus instead on the federal response to wildfires raging across Los Angeles, which have razed hundreds of homes and forced thousands to evacuate.

After returning this evening from Los Angeles, where earlier today he had met with police, fire and emergency personnel … President Biden made the decision to cancel his upcoming trip to Italy to remain focused on directing the full federal response in the days ahead,” White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement.

Biden had been due to travel to Italy from Thursday to Sunday, likely his final overseas trip as president.

The National Boundary Commission (NBC) has called for peaceful coexistence among border communities in Abia and Cross River States amidst escalating tensions.

The Director-General, Surv. Adamu Adaji, made this appeal following violent clashes between the Isu community in Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia State and the Ukwa Mbiabong Ukwa Eburutu community in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State, which claimed lives in early January 2025.

In a statement by Efe Ovuakporie, Head of the Information and Public Relations Unit, NBC condemned the killings and extended condolences to the affected communities. It urged all stakeholders to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could undermine ongoing boundary resolution efforts.

The NBC highlighted its proactive measures, including the Joint Meeting of Officials (JMO) on the Abia-Cross River boundary held on December 11, 2024, at the Metropolitan Hotel, Calabar.

The meeting, chaired by Surv. Adamu Adaji, outlined key steps towards resolving the desputes in the affected areas.

The steps included the agreement to share the disputed triangular land between Okon-Aku and Ikun communities, subject to approval by the Deputy Governors.

Other steps include plans to resolve land issues with respect to point Abia/Cross River (AC)15A (Abia, Achara, and Biakpan communities) at a Joint Technical Meeting scheduled for January 20, 2025, in Abuja.

Aside the foregoing, the meeting also considered the submission of documents supporting claims over disputed points AC19 to AC23 (Mbiabong-Ito and Isu areas) by January 20, 2025 and the formation of a Joint Committee for the rehabilitation and return of displaced communities in the Mbiabong-Ito/Isu sector.

The NBC used the opportunity to reiterate its role as a neutral mediator committed to fairness, consensus, and fostering sustainable peace. It emphasized the importance of dialogue over violence, stressing that any acts of aggression would counter efforts to attract development and resolve disputes.

The Commission also urged traditional rulers, community leaders, and security agencies to collaborate in fostering peace and ensuring productive discussions ahead of the January 20th meeting.

During the December 2024 meeting, Deputy Governors Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu (Abia State) and Rt. Hon. Peter Odey affirmed their states’ commitment to an amicable resolution of the disputes.

Both leaders emphasized the need for peace and mutual understanding among the affected communities.

The NBC remains optimistic that its proactive approach, including its emphasis on accurate surveying and equitable solutions, will achieve a lasting resolution to the Abia-Cross River boundary continued disputes.

As preparations for the January 20, 2025, Joint Technical Meeting progress, the NBC has appealed to all stakeholders to prioritize peace and remain patient as the Commission works towards finalizing boundary resolutions. It is confident that these efforts will pave the way for stability and development in the region.