President Bola Tinubu has delivered a strong message to terrorists and bandits causing havoc in Nigeria, urging them to surrender to government forces or face severe consequences.
Represented by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu at the News Agency of Nigeria’s inaugural international lecture in Abuja, Tinubu emphasized that his administration will no longer tolerate the ongoing threats.
Tinubu labeled bandits and kidnappers as “cowards” and “idiots,” stating, “Enough is enough. For 15 years, we’ve been going through hell in this country. These bad people have been doing what they like.” He warned them to drop their arms or face lethal consequences, emphasizing that the non-kinetic approach is still available. “Windows are open, doors are open. If you’re ready to surrender and stop, do so. Otherwise, you know what’s coming, whoever you are.”
The President also vowed to end kidnapping for ransom, describing it as an economic crime. “We will find you. We defeated armed robbery before in this country. We will also defeat kidnappers. It’s a matter of time.” Additionally, Tinubu warned corrupt officials to be cautious, stating that measures are in place to address corruption.
Tinubu reiterated his commitment to job creation, infrastructure development, and social services to uplift the downtrodden from poverty. He urged Nigerians to be patient, promising that the positive impacts of his policies would soon be felt.
Former Head of State Abdulsalami Abubakar attributed insecurity in the North to poverty, unemployment, and institutional failures. Minister of Information Mohammed Idris noted that Nigeria’s shared borders with Sahelian countries make it vulnerable to conflict. However, he assured that the country is winning the war against insecurity, citing the acquisition of 12 aircraft to boost the military’s fighting capacity.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, emphasized the need to address the root causes of insecurity, including poor governance and economic marginalization. The Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, described the Sahel region as a land of opportunities and challenges, urging collective action to create a safer and more prosperous nation.
