Tinubu: To Permanently Secure Nigerians, We Must Reform Our Security Architecture 

*Says govt fully mobilised to hunt down terrorists, bandits, other subversive elements

*Hints recent national security emergency not symbolic rhetoric

*Claims terrorism grew when Obasanjo was president

*Barau orders security to crush Kano invaders

*Again, suspected bandits strike at   Eruku, kidnap  one

*Udom Emanuel urges national support

*Ndume hails army’s daring rescue of 12 abducted girls, insists on better funding

Deji Elumoye, Chuks Okocha, Olawale Ajimotokan, Sunday Aborisade, Linus Aleke in Abuja, Hammed Shittu in Ilorin, Segun James in Lagos, Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano, Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja and Laleye Dipo in Minna

President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, declared that to permanently secure the Nigerian people, his administration must reform the national security architecture.

Tinubu said his administration was fully mobilised to hunt down terrorists, bandits, and other subversive elements threatening national security, wherever they might be.

The president, who spoke yesterday in Lokoja at a memorial event for former Kogi State Governor, Abubakar Audu, also vowed to restore the peace craved by every Nigerian.

Represented by Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, Tinubu stated that restoring peace, strengthening national security, and expanding economic opportunities remained the top priorities of his administration.

He stated, “The recent declaration of a state of emergency on national security underscores the gravity with which we view this challenge. This is not a mere proclamation; it is a declaration of war against all forms of insecurity.

“As part of this, we have immediately begun the process of expanding the capacity of our armed forces and security agencies in numbers, in advanced weaponry, and in intelligence capabilities.

“We will hunt the enemies of our state wherever they may be and restore the peace that is the rightful inheritance of every Nigerian. But to secure our people permanently, we must reform the very architecture of our security.

“Yet, we are under no illusions about the recent setbacks and security challenges that have tested our nation’s resolve. Let me be unequivocal: the security and welfare of every Nigerian remain the sacred priority of my government. We have therefore taken decisive action.”

Tinubu also stated that the state of emergency declared recently on national security was not a symbolic rhetoric, but a signal of renewed commitment to the expansion of security manpower, modernised intelligence, and strategic reforms, including the advancement of state police as a community-sensitive solution to local threats.

He stated, “This is why my administration is courageously championing the establishment of State Police. We believe that a more localised, community-sensitive security structure is vital to complement the valiant efforts of our national forces.

“It will also boost employment in the grassroots. This is a bold, necessary constitutional step, one that requires our collective will, and we are committed to seeing it through.”

The president assured that the his government was also intensifying international diplomacy to correct false narratives that misrepresented Nigeria’s religious harmony and peaceful coexistence.

He highlighted the ongoing reforms in key sectors of the economy, stating that his administration is modernising livestock farming framework in order to turn areas of historical tension into engines of economic development and peaceful coexistence.

According to Tinubu, “We are launching a comprehensive initiative to modernise the livestock industry. This includes the creation of large-scale ranching schemes, improved animal husbandry, and the integration of the livestock value chain into our national economy.

“Our goal is to transform this critical sector from a source of tension into a bastion of prosperity, creating jobs, ensuring food security, and fostering lasting peace between our farming and herding communities.”

Reflecting on the legacy of the late Audu, Tinubu said the former governor was a pivotal figure in Nigeria’s democratic evolution.

He said Audu was a leader whose foresight helped to shape the governance foundation of Kogi State and contribute to Nigeria’s transition into stable civilian rule.

The president said Audu’s political career was not an episode of personal ambition, but an enduring contribution to state-building and institutional strength.

He said Audu also viewed leadership in that same spirit where service was measured by impact, not applause.

He stated, “We are gathered to honour a giant. A man whose name is irrevocably woven into the very fabric of our democratic journey. Prince Abubakar Audu was not just a politician; he was a pathfinder.

“As the first democratically elected Governor of Kogi State, first in 1992 and again as a pioneer in 1999, Prince Audu carved out a vision for Kogi State and helped lay the foundation for our nation’s enduring democracy.

“He was my formidable ally, a brother in the struggle, and one of the founding fathers who, with courage and conviction, laid the foundations upon which our democratic ideals now stand.

“His legacy is not a relic of the past; it is a living, breathing template of bold leadership and transformative governance. It is a template this administration is committed to honouring, not just in words, but in concrete action.”

Presidency: Terrorism Germinated During Obasanjo’s Time as President

The presidency, yesterday, alleged that the ideological foundations and early operational cells of Boko Haram took root during former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration due to what he described as weak or indecisive action at the time.

It, however, declared that President Bola Tinubu remained fully committed to securing every inch of the Nigerian territory by confronting terrorists with strength, unity, and an integrated national security approach.

Presidential spokesperson, Sunday Dare, in a statement shared on X via @SundayDareSD, stated, “Under Tinubu, Nigeria Will defeat terrorism. President Bola Tinubu remains committed to securing every inch of Nigeria by confronting terrorists with strength, unity, and a whole-of-government strategy. Let all patriots join hands now and not raise alarms.”

Dare dismissed recent remarks by Obasanjo and a few individuals he described as perennial presidential aspirants, suggesting that the Tinubu administration was “unable to protect Nigerians”.

He stated that under Tinubu, Nigeria would overcome terrorism through a united national front, stressing that the administration would not be distracted by “selective amnesia wrapped in elder-statesmanship”, nor allow those who midwifed Nigeria’s early security failures to rewrite history

Dare described such comments as hypocritical, misleading, and dangerous. He added that those making the comments ignored the hard truth that Nigeria was currently battling a multi-layered terrorist ecosystem involving internationally recognised terror groups, ISIS-linked and al-Qaeda-linked networks across the Sahel, violent extremist cells posing as bandits, cross-border terror gangs exploiting porous borders, and ideological insurgents operating in ungoverned spaces.

According to him, the groups collaborate, share resources, and share intelligence with one aim: to break the Nigerian state.

Urging all patriots to join hands with the government rather than raising alarms, Dare insisted that Nigerians must call the enemies of the state their name, which was terrorists.

The presidential media aide stated that terrorism in Nigeria did not emerge suddenly, insisting that the ideological foundations and early operational cells of Boko Haram took root during Obasanjo’s administration.

What started as a preventable sect, Dare stated, later mutated into a violent insurgency and a regional terror franchise aligned with global jihadist movements.

Dismissing Obasanjo’s recent comments about the surging insecurity in the country, Dare stated, “Terrorism Took Root on His Watch and Grew Because It Was Not Stopped. It is historical fact that the ideological foundations and early cells of Boko Haram were incubated during Obasanjo’s civilian presidency.

“While they recruited, indoctrinated, built camps, and flaunted authority, the state failed to act decisively. For the leader under whom the first seeds of terrorism were allowed to germinate to now issue public lectures is not just ironic, it is reckless.”

He explained that Tinubu was not confronting an ordinary security challenge but a full-spectrum terrorist threat internal, external, and transnational.

The president’s strategy, Dare said, “Combines kinetic pressure through modernised military capability and intelligence-driven operations with non-kinetic measures such as restoring governance in underserved communities, counter-radicalisation programmes, economic stabilisation initiatives, and building trust with local populations to deny terrorists the human terrain they exploit.”

He added that the administration’s security philosophy was anchored on unity and national coordination, emphasising that Nigeria would continue to cooperate with allies, like the United States, but would never outsource its internal security or “raise a white flag because someone who once had the chance lost his nerve.

“This administration will not be distracted by selective amnesia wrapped in elder-statesmanship, nor will it allow those who midwifed Nigeria’s early security failures to rewrite history.”

Dare warned that when past leaders publicly undermined Nigeria’s capacity, they handed psychological victories to terrorists who continued to attack citizens.

“A real statesman offers support, not soundbites,” he said, urging Obasanjo to acknowledge the failures that allowed terrorism to germinate under his watch and to deploy his influence in support of ongoing efforts instead of attempting to discredit an administration working across economic, security, and infrastructural fronts.

Barau Orders Security Agencies to Crush Bandits Invading Kano Communities

Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Jibrin Barau, issued a directive to security agencies to immediately halt the incursions of armed bandits into Tsanyawa and Shanono local government areas of Kano State.

Barau described the latest attacks as unacceptable and a direct threat to the safety of residents.

The warning followed Saturday night’s invasion of Yankamaye village in Tsanyawa Local Government Area, where bandits killed a woman and abducted three residents in a late-night assault that caught the community unprepared.

The incident came just days after a similar attack in Biresawa village, within the same council area, heightening fears among locals and sparking renewed calls for decisive security action.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, the deputy senate president condemned the repeated attacks and demanded that security forces intensify operations across the affected corridors.

He insisted that criminals fleeing military pressure in neighbouring states must not be allowed to find sanctuary in Kano.

Barau stated, “I have received the distressing report of the killing of a woman and the kidnapping of three persons in Yankamaye village after villagers had retired to bed. This is the second attack in the area within days.

“I call on our security agencies, who have engaged these criminals on many occasions in the axis, to double their efforts, rescue the innocent victims, and tackle the elements head-on. They should take the fight to them.”

He emphasised that the federal and state authorities would not permit criminal gangs on the run from neighbouring regions to infiltrate and destabilise peaceful communities in Kano, stressing that the protection of life and property remained paramount.

“This incursion into the area must stop forthwith. We will not allow marauding criminals to destabilise our communities. No stone will be left unturned in securing our people,” he added.

Barau assured residents of Tsanyawa and Shanono that security agencies had been alerted to the emerging threat and urged them to remain vigilant as efforts to restore safety and calm intensified.

Again, Suspected Bandits Strike in   Eruku, Kidnap One

Four suspected bandits, yesterday, abducted one person at Eruku town in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, few weeks after 38 persons were abducted and three killed at a church in the same locality.

The fresh attack in the town caused tension among residents.

The incident, according to THISDAY, happened a week after the release of 38 victims who were earlier kidnapped in a church in the community.

It was gathered that the bandits were four in number, and they stormed a farm in the town located along the road leading to Koro, a boundary community between Kogi and Ekiti states.

The attackers, according to sources, were armed with cutlasses and AK-47 rifles.

The sources added that the suspected bandits invaded the farmland and kidnapped a man identified as Annas Aasanru, a native of Eruku, before escaping into the bush.

A community leader, who spoke with journalists in Ilorin on condition of anonymity, stated, “The attackers suspected to be Fulani/Bororo men numbering about four stormed a farm along the road leading to Koro community, a boundary town between Kogi and Ekiti states.

“The assailants were armed with cutlasses and AK-47 rifles, invaded the farmland and kidnapped a man identified as Annas Aasanru, a native of Eruku, before escaping into the bush.”

A senior police officer at the Divisional Police Headquarters in Ekiti, who also sought anonymity, confirmed the fresh attack.

The officer said, “We are working to rescue the victim and ensure law and order in the local government.”

Udom Emanuel Urges National Support

Former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel, called for a national concerted effort in the battle against insecurity, urging Nigerians to ignore all biases in order to solve the challenges currently facing the country.

Emmanuel, who spoke at an interactive session with newsmen at the Pre-Service of Nine Lessons and Carol, held at the United Evangelical Church, Surulere, Lagos, yesterday, stated that all hands must be on deck to support President Bola Tinubu to solve the problems facing the country.

He said Nigerians across ethnic, party and religious divides needed to come together at this moment to support the president in solving the problems that could plunge the country into crisis.

Emmanuel stated, “This is not the time to dwell on factors that create divisions, the issues that expand the frontiers of our disagreements and further undermine our national unity.

“Rather, as a people, we must pull together to confront our common enemies by giving every necessary support to President Tinubu to enable him face the challenges that are militating against the progressive movement upon which he has set our nation.”

He encouraged the president to continue to pursue the visions that would help the country overcome its current challenges and bring it to the ultimate goal of achieving good governance.

Bandits Abduct Royal Father in Kwara

Suspected bandits, at the weekend, abducted a royal father, Oba Kamilu Salami, the Ojibara of Bayagan in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The bandits demanded N150 million as ransom from the family of the royal father.

THISDAY learnt that the royal father was kidnapped around 9:30am last Friday by a gang of bandits who stormed his farm with AK-47 rifles.

A family source, who sought anonymity told THISDAY that the bandits had trailed the royal father for some days before storming his farm and whisking him away on a motorcycle.

Another farmer, who shared boundary with the royal father’s farm, and sought anonymity, told THISDAY that he saw the suspected bandits when they invaded the royal father’s farm but could not do anything to avoid being attacked.

Family members and associates of the royal father also confirmed the abduction, although they pleaded anonymity, too. They later said the kidnappers had reached out to them and demanded N50 million as ransom before the royal father could be released.

Northern Youth Group Seeks Collective Action on Insecurity, Stronger Leadership

Northern Youth Conference called for urgent action on the current wave of insecurity ravaging the region, especially the recent spate of bandit attacks in parts Kano State.

The leadership conference, attended by youth leaders and stakeholders from across the seven North-west states, urged Nigerians to come together to tackle the growing insecurity in the country.

Organised by Dr. Baraka Sani, Founder and President, WIFCOll, on Sunday in Kano, the conference identified quality leadership as key to curbing insecurity and promoting youth development in the region.

It stressed the importance of strong leadership in addressing the problem, calling on government officials and community leaders to take concrete steps to ensure the safety and security of citizens.

Speaking at the event, Sani cautioned the youth to reflect inwardly and desist from all forms of criminality.

He said, “I have learned that genuine, impactful service does not begin with a position, a title, or a stage. It begins with an internal awakening. It begins with a spark that says: I was born to serve.

“I was born to contribute. I was born to lead Our work across healthcare, youth development, and community empowerment reflects a single truth every human being deserves the chance to thrive.”

An economist, Professor Murtala Sagagi, lamented the high number of unproductive population in the north.

“Unfortunately, most of those young men are not being fully engaged or employed. This is a serious problem that should worry any responsible government,” Sagagi stated.

Ndume Hails Army for Rescuing 12 Abducted Girls, Demands Better Funding

Former Senate Leader and senator for Borno South, Ali Ndume, praised the Nigerian Army for the operation that led to the rescue of 12 teenage girls abducted by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Mussa District, Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.

The girls, aged between 15 and 20, were seized last Sunday while harvesting crops on their family farmlands.

According to the Nigerian Army, troops of Operation HADIN KAI launched an intelligence-driven mission in the southern Borno axis and successfully freed the victims on Saturday.

They had since been taken to a secure medical facility for full treatment and rehabilitation.

Ndume, a former Chairman of Senate Committee on Army, in a statement in Abuja, commended the courage, professionalism and quick response of the military personnel, who executed the risky operation.

He lauded the resilience of soldiers battling insurgency across the state, despite the harsh conditions and operational constraints they routinely face.

Ndume stated, “Over the weekend, men of the Nigerian Army in theatre operation in Borno State achieved another landmark military exercise with the successful rescue operation of all the 12 abducted teenagers who had been in captivity.

“That successful operation was another significant statement on professionalism and selflessness.”

He saluted the troops’ patriotism, urging them to remain steadfast in combating the insurgents, whom he described as “evil forces driven by vain glorification to cow the rest of us”.

Ndume also stressed that the morale and effectiveness of the military must be supported with stronger commitments from the federal government.

‎Suspected Bandits Invade Church, Whisk Away Pastor, Wife and Members in Kogi

Suspected bandits invaded a newly established Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ejiba, Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, and abducted the pastor of the church, his wife, and other members.

THISDAY learnt that the attack came unexpectedly during a church service on Sunday and left everyone running in different directions.

The entire community was thrown into chaos after the attack.

Eyewitness accounts stated that the attack forced worshippers to run for safety as gunshots echoed through the area. The pastor of the church, popularly known as Orlando, was abducted along with his wife and several other members.Residents of the Ejiba community  described the incident as terrifying.

Kogi State Government said it had intensified surveillance, patrols, and manhunt against the bandits that attacked the Cherubim and Seraphim Church, Ejiba.

The state government, through the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo, confirmed the abduction.

Fanwo stated, “Yes, I have information to that effect and I am also aware that the security network, comprising the conventional security agencies and the local security architecture, are currently doing what they should do.

“The authorities of Yagba West local government council are working hard with the security agencies to ensure those kidnapped are rescued alive. The perpetrators too already know that Kogi will do everything possible to secure every one of its citizens abducted.

“The governor of the state, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, is coordinating activities and we will keep the press updated on the operations.”

NAF Airstrikes Foil ISWAP Attack in Chibok, Destroy Bandit Enclave in Katsina

Nigerian Air Force (NAF) carried out airstrikes that foiled an attack by the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Chibok, Borno State, and also destroyed a bandit enclave in Katsina State.

A statement by Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, revealed that the latest success against enemies of the state followed intensified precision counterterrorism operations across the North-west and North-east, which delivered a series of devastating, intelligence-led air interdictions.

Ejodame also revealed that scores of fleeing insurgents were neutralised during the coordinated air onslaught. He stated that in Katsina State, NAF aircraft conducted two coordinated strikes on November 27 under Operation Fansan Yamma (OPFY) Sector 2.

The NAF spokesperson said the first strike—carried out at about 0630 hours—targeted the fortified hideout of a notorious terrorist kingpin linked to serial kidnappings, violent attacks and livestock rustling across Kankara, Faskari and Malumfashi local government areas.

Ejodame stated, “Guided by real-time Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), the aircraft destroyed the camp using precision munitions. Continued ISR coverage enabled follow-on engagements as surviving fighters attempted to flee.

“A second strike, launched at about 1755 hours, hit another major terrorist enclave in Danfako, Faskari LGA, destroying logistics hubs, structures, equipment and other operational infrastructure.

“Several terrorists were neutralised, further degrading their networks and denying them freedom of movement across the North-West.

“In Borno State, NAF air power again proved decisive as ground troops of the 28 Task Force Brigade, Sector 4 Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), repelled a coordinated multi-front ISWAP/Boko Haram assault on Chibok.

“NAF aircraft executed four major airstrikes, guided by real-time intelligence from ground forces, against insurgents regrouping along their escape routes, inflicting significant losses.

“Additional precision strikes on fleeing fighters further disrupted their withdrawal and shattered their ability to reorganise.”

Cleric Wants Quick Action in Agwara Kidnap

Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese and Proprietor of St Mary’s Primary Secondary School, Papiri in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, Dr. Bulus Yohanna, charged both the federal and Niger State governments to expedite action on the recovery of students, pupils, and teachers abducted from the school last week.

The appeal came as over 100 parents of the victims staged a peaceful protest to demand the rescue of their children last weekend.

The police declined to comment on the protest by the parents, who said they had opened a register for the documentation of information about the kidnapped people.

In his sermon to mark the First Sunday of Advent at the St. Michael’s Catholic Cathedral, Kontagora, Yohanna, prayed for the “return of the pupils, students and teachers”.

Yohanna said, “For over a week now, 265 children and teachers are not yet accounted for.”

He added, “We need them back and I believe those who are responsible to secure us are doing their work. Everyone is traumatised but Let’s continue to pray.

“I want to believe that our government is ready and capable to do the right thing for the safe return of the children and teachers. As I speak to you now, one of our catechists has four children among those abducted. We cannot hide from the reality and the time has come for the truth to surface.”

Reports from the area indicated that some 100 parents of the victims embarked on peaceful protest in Papiri, where the school was located, and at Agwara local government headquarters.

Troops Kill Four Militia Members, Recover Weapons in Taraba

Nigerian Army announced that troops of the 6 Brigade foiled an armed militia attack in Usmanu Village, Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State.

The army also revealed that no fewer than four assailants were killed, and weapons recovered during the swift operation aimed at containing renewed communal unrest.

Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, said the deployment followed credible intelligence that longstanding land tensions between the Shomo and Wurkun communities had flared up once again.

The dispute, he explained, had escalated into violent confrontations and the destruction of property, including the burning of several homes, prompting the army to intervene to prevent further deterioration of the security situation.

Muhammad stated, “Upon arrival at the scene, the troops were ambushed by armed men advancing from the Fadama axis. A brief but fierce exchange of fire ensued, during which four militia members were neutralised.

“A subsequent clearance operation led to the recovery of three dane guns, a fabricated AK-47 rifle, 25 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and two motorcycles.

“In a development that underscores the complexity of the crisis, a personnel of the Nigeria Police Force found operating alongside the armed group was arrested and is currently being investigated to determine his level of involvement.”

Commander of the 6 Brigade/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke, Brigadier-General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, commended the troops for their timely response, professionalism and courage under fire.