Nigerian president, Bola Tinubu, has asked troops of the Nigerian Armed Forces to end the “threats of terrorism, banditry, and insurgency which have persisted for too long” adding that Nigerians are counting on them to end the menace.
He added that “domestic collaborators or foreign agents” seeking to destabilise Nigeria must be stopped, while declaring that the country will not yield to fear, terror, or treachery.
During his official visit on Friday to frontline troops of the Nigerian Armed Forces in Katsina State, the president reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to national security and the wellbeing of its soldiers.
“To those who seek to destabilise our nation— be they domestic collaborators or foreign agents — hear this: Nigeria will not bow. Not to fear. Not to terror. Not to treachery,” Tinubu declared.
Speaking directly to the troops, he praised their dedication and bravery, calling them the “shield of Nigeria” and “silent guardians of our democracy.”
“You are the brave sons and daughters who stand between our people and the forces of terror. Every inch of ground you hold, every terrorist you neutralise, and every community you secure is a victory for justice, freedom, and the future of our children,” he said.
Emphasising the urgency of the security crisis, Tinubu stated, “This is a defining moment in our history. The threats of terrorism, banditry, and insurgency have persisted for too long. Nigerians are counting on you to end this menace and reclaim every inch of our territory.”
The President also outlined ongoing efforts to improve military capability and welfare.
“We are equipping you with advanced weaponry, superior intelligence, and robust logistical support — not only to defend this nation but to dominate and defeat every adversary,” he said.
He assured the soldiers that their welfare remains a top priority under his leadership.
“We are committed to ensuring your families are safe, your allowances are paid promptly, your healthcare is guaranteed, and your dignity upheld,” he added.
Global human rights body, Amnesty International, had on Thursday condemned the rising killings in the country, pointing to the Nigerian government’s failure to protect its citizens and the lack of accountability for the perpetrators of such violence.
“Amnesty International strongly condemns the gruesome killing of the Chief Imam of Maru Jumma’a Mosque, Alkali Salihu Suleiman 79, along with his three children — after the bandits received N11m of the N20m ransom they demanded,” the organisation had said in a statement.
“The Nigerian authorities consistently failed to protect lives and property, while the killers continue to carry out horrific atrocities that include slaughtering people, abduction, amputation, rape of women and girls and razing of entire villages,” Amnesty said.
The rights group highlighted the ongoing nature of attacks on rural communities in northern Nigeria, accusing security forces of failing to respond effectively.
“Terrifying attacks on rural communities in the north of Nigeria have been going on for years. The current failure of security forces to take sufficient steps to protect villagers from these predictable attacks is utterly shameful and unacceptable,” Amnesty added.
Amnesty also stated that the continuing violence across states such as Zamfara shows that the government has failed to take decisive action against armed groups.
