Following continuous killings, especially in northern parts of Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu has ordered the military to confront Boko Haram terrorists, bandits, separatists, and other criminal gangs constituting threat to the peace and sovereignty of the nation, reports Business Today NG.
President Tinubu, who gave the order at the grand finale of the 2025 Nigerian Army Day celebration held in Kaduna State, stated that the time to crush the criminals is now.
He also promised to continue to invest in modern equipment, intelligence, and human capital that would improve the effectiveness of the military.
Tinubu, reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of officers and soldiers of the armed forces, also promised to continue to invest in modern equipment, intelligence, and human capital that would improve the effectiveness of the military.
The president represented at the occasion by Vice President Kashim Shettima, reminded the officers and men to discharge their duties with a high sense of professionalism, courage, discipline, and honour, guided by the nation’s constitution and international best practices.
“The Nigerian Army has never been just a force of arms. It has been a symbol of unity and duty. It brought the Nigerian Civil War to a close. With those immortal words uttered by retired General Yakubu Gowon, right now seated in this venue. No victor, no vanquished, reminding us that we are one people with one destiny, and beyond our borders, our men and women have carried our flag high on peacekeeping missions across the continent and around the globe,” Shettima stated.
The VP added further that, “They have fought not for conquest, but for peace. They have stood not for power, but for principle. Today, we honour the enduring sacrifice of these men and women. We honour those who have paid the supreme price. And we honour those who continue to wear the uniform, who stand at the gates of our democracy, shielding us from those who would tear it down.
“I find it fitting and visionary that the theme for this year’s celebration is peace. It reflects not just strategy but humanity. You cannot build a great army without building strong soldiers, their welfare, morale, equipment, and sense of purpose are not afterthoughts. They are the bedrock of national security.
“I commend your commitment. I assure you that this administration stands firmly with you on that path. We are not unaware of the challenges that confront our nation. Terrorism, insurgency, banditry, and separatist agitations have threatened our peace.
“These are not mere security threats; they are existential ones. And let it be said plainly, these evils do not discriminate by tribe or people. They destroy churches and mosques alike. They abduct children without asking why they worship. Therefore, our response must be united, firm, and uncompromising.”
Recall that Terrorists, bandits and seperatists have wreaked continuous havoc over the years in the North West. Unlike their jihadist counterparts in the North East of the country, their motivations are primarily economic.
Killings also occur in the Middle Belt, with the attacks often taking on a religious or ethnic dimension.
According to a report released by human rights watchdog, Amnesty International, to coincide with Tinubu’s first two years in office, Benue State, which lies in the central region, suffered the heaviest death toll of 6,896, followed by Plateau State, where 2,630 people were killed
“When Tinubu came to power two years ago, he vowed that dealing with insecurity was one of the main challenges for his government.
“Instead, things have only gotten worse, as the authorities continue to fail to protect the rights to life, physical integrity, liberty, and the security of tens of thousands of people across the country,” the Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, Isa Sanusi said
Northern states that jihadists and other criminal groups have targeted for several years have seen an upsurge in attacks in recent months.
According to Sanusi, the “recent escalation of attacks by Boko Haram and other armed groups shows that the security measures implemented by President Tinubu’s government are simply not working”.
In his second anniversary speech, Tinubu said Nigerian troops had “restored order, reducing and eliminating threats to lives and livelihoods” in violence-wracked regions.
“With the successes achieved, farmers are back tilling the land to feed us. Highways hitherto dangerous for travellers have become safer,” he added.
His government is also facing problem in the southwest by the separatist group called the Indigenous People of Biafra(IPOB).
