President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ending terrorism and banditry in Nigeria, assuring citizens that the government is intensifying efforts to restore security across the country following renewed deadly attacks in parts of the North-Central region.
The President gave the assurance on Monday, 9 February 2026, while addressing participants at the National Executive Council (NEC) Conference on Inclusive Growth and Sustainable National Development. His remarks came against the backdrop of growing public concern over insecurity, particularly after recent attacks in Kwara State that left dozens of people dead and several communities devastated.
Speaking at the conference, Tinubu acknowledged the scale of the security challenge but insisted that his government remains determined to defeat armed groups threatening lives, livelihoods and national stability.
“And I am leaving here again to further find means to strengthen our security forces to defeat terrorism and banditry, that I promise you,” the President said. “It is what has kept all of us sleepless at night, but I assure you that we will win with determination and resiliency.”
Tinubu described terrorism and banditry as alien to Nigeria’s values and traditions, stressing that violent extremism does not reflect the country’s cultural identity.
“We will overcome this unacceptable terrorism and banditry. It’s not part of our culture; it’s foreign to us,” he said. “If we do not find a solution to it, it becomes an economic encumbrance.”
The President linked the ongoing security crisis to broader economic and developmental challenges, noting that insecurity discourages investment, disrupts agriculture, displaces communities and deepens poverty. He said sustainable national development cannot be achieved without first guaranteeing the safety of citizens and businesses.
His comments follow attacks reportedly carried out by suspected religious extremists on two communities in Kwara State, where at least 75 people were killed and homes, farmlands and other properties were destroyed. The incidents have heightened fears about the spread of violence into previously calmer areas of the country.
While addressing the NEC conference, Tinubu did not provide operational details but indicated that consultations were ongoing to further equip and reposition security agencies. He emphasized coordination among the military, police, intelligence services and local authorities as key to defeating criminal networks.
Since assuming office, the Tinubu administration has announced several security-related measures, including increased defence spending, recruitment of additional security personnel, intelligence reforms and expanded collaboration with state governments. The federal government has also continued joint military operations targeting terrorist groups, bandits and kidnappers across multiple regions.
The President reiterated that security remains a top priority of his government, alongside economic reform and social inclusion. He urged stakeholders at all levels to support government efforts, stressing that the fight against insecurity requires collective resolve.
“Determination and resilience are what will take us through this,” Tinubu said, calling on Nigerians to remain united despite the challenges.
The NEC conference, which brought together policymakers, economists, development experts and government officials, focused on strategies for inclusive growth, poverty reduction and long-term national development. Discussions at the event highlighted how insecurity has undermined food production, education and infrastructure in affected regions.
Analysts note that Tinubu’s remarks reflect mounting pressure on the federal government to deliver tangible security improvements, as communities continue to bear the human and economic costs of violence. Civil society groups and opposition figures have repeatedly called for clearer timelines, accountability and improved protection for rural populations.
Despite the challenges, the President maintained an optimistic tone, expressing confidence that sustained action and national unity would eventually bring an end to terrorism and banditry.
“As a nation, we will overcome,” he said, assuring Nigerians that restoring peace and stability remains central to his administration’s agenda.
Source: Africa Publicity
