President Bola Tinubu has issued a stern warning to terrorists and bandits in Nigeria, urging them to lay down their arms or face severe consequences. Speaking at the 1st NAN Annual International Lecture in Abuja, themed “Insecurity in the Sahel (2008-2024): Dissecting Nigeria’s Challenges – Genesis, Impacts, and Options,” Tinubu, represented by National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, emphasized that his administration has implemented both military and non-military strategies to combat security threats.
The president noted that his government’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” prioritizes security, and significant progress has been made in the past year toward improving safety and stability. He declared that Boko Haram and other criminal elements have disrupted the lives, commerce, and systems of the country for too long, warning, “Enough is enough.”
Tinubu issued a final warning to kidnappers, stating they have little time left to abandon their criminal activities. He urged those involved to take advantage of the government’s non-kinetic (peaceful) measures, which still offer an opportunity for surrender. “If you are ready to come and surrender, do it now,” he added, cautioning that failure to do so will result in dire consequences.
He also highlighted the ongoing progress in restoring peace in many northern communities, which has allowed displaced residents to return home, boosting food production. The president pointed out that the rise of kidnapping has replaced crimes like armed robbery but assured that his administration is determined to eradicate it.
Tinubu described the insecurity in the Sahel region as complex, rooted in climate change, food insecurity, and extremism. As chair of ECOWAS, he is working on strengthening regional cooperation to tackle shared security challenges. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to addressing Nigeria’s security issues while urging patience from the public, stating, “Give us time.”
