Vice President Kashim Shettima assured families of military and police officers killed during a recent attack in Shanga Local Government Area of Kebbi State of the federal government’s continued support.

He reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s resolve not to allow the efforts and gallantry of officers of the armed forces and other security agencies go in vain.

Shettima gave the assurances on Tuesday in Birnin Kebbi, the Kebbi State capital, when he led a delegation of the federal government on a condolence visit to Governor Nasir Idris over the killing of some security officers as well as the passing of Speaker of Kebbi State House of Assembly, Alhaji Muhammad Zuru, in Cairo, Egypt, on Monday, April 7.

The vice president stated, “We are here in Kebbi at the behest of President Bola Tinubu to commiserate with you, and to register our profound condolences and empathy over the sad developments in your state in the past couple of days.“

The demise of the speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, the late Hon. Muhammed Usman Zuru, the destruction of our communities in Shanga Local Government Area, and, of course, the loss of our 11 gallant officers.

“We are here to condole with you, the security establishment in Kebbi State and the government and people of Kebbi. Our hearts are with you.

”Shettima disclosed that Tinubu had already instructed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide relief materials to families of the fallen heroes and the displaced communities affected by the developments.

He stated, “The president also instructed me to come with the Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to ensure that adequate measures are put in place to give succour and support to the displaced communities.

“We are going to support you. We appreciate you, we adore you, we respect you, and we will take whatever measures that are necessary for you to do your duties as you ought to do.

”He prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased, asking Almighty Allah to grant them peace and eternal rest and give the government and people of the state the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss.

Shettima also commended Governor Idris for infrastructure development and improved investment in education in the state over the past three years.

On his part, Idris said security agencies in the state were doing their best and cooperating with state authorities in tackling the challenges in the area.

He said despite the recent challenges, there had been improvement in terms of response and tactics by security agencies deployed to the state.

The governor expressed appreciation to the federal government for sending a high-powered delegation led by Shettima to condole with the people of Kebbi State.

He disclosed that the state government had donated N60 million to the families of the 11 slain officers to support them.

He also announced that communities recently displaced by bandits had been resettled, adding that adequate security measures were being put in place to prevent recurrence.

The federal government also defended the Nigerian Air Force precision counter-terrorism strike on Jilli in Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State on April 11, which resulted in the death of scores of civilians.

In a statement on Tuesday, Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris said the NAF strike, conducted under Operation HADIN KAI, was not indiscriminate but a deliberate, intelligence-led operation carried out in one of the most active insurgent corridors in the North-east.

Idris explained that the axis had been designated a high-risk zone with clear security advisories restricting civilian presence.

He said Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum had corroborated that Jilli and Gazabure markets had been officially closed five years ago due to insurgent control, describing the area as a known hub for terrorist operations.

The minister stated, “The government extends its deepest condolences to the families of those affected and sympathises with the injured. Every Nigerian life is sacred, and any loss of civilian life is deeply regretted.

“The operation followed sustained intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. The Jilli axis, locally known as ‘Kasu Daulaye’ (the terrorists’ market), has long functioned as an insurgent-controlled enclave.

“Intelligence confirmed that Boko Haram and ISWAP operatives used the area to collect levies, procure supplies, and coordinate attacks.

”He added that the April 11 strike followed weeks of surveillance in response to escalating threats, and after a rigorous targeting process, the Nigerian Air Force, working with the Nigerian Army, confirmed the presence of terrorist elements and executed the strike to disrupt supply lines and degrade insurgent capacity.