Former presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina, has revealed that late President Muhammadu Buhari gave a blunt and emotionally charged directive to Nigeria’s security chiefs at the height of insurgency in 2021, urging them to wipe out terrorists without mercy.
In a tribute following the former president’s death, Adesina described Buhari as a patriot who cared deeply for the ordinary Nigerian and was visibly frustrated by the persistent threat of terrorism.
“When insurgency reached its peak in 2021, and he held a meeting with security chiefs, he was virtually pleading: ‘Wipe out these people. Kill them.
“They are haters of humanity. They don’t deserve to live. Nigerians love me, they trust me, that’s why they keep voting for me. Wipe them out. Kill them.’” He stated.
At the time, Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru was the Chief of Army Staff. According to Adesina, Attahiru responded with a firm commitment, promising that once the awaited military platforms were delivered, the armed forces would swiftly complete the mission.
Tragically, that promise was cut short. Just a week after the meeting, Gen. Attahiru died in a military plane crash, dealing a heavy blow to the nation’s counter-insurgency efforts.
