Tinubu vows to defeat terrorism
President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria has reaffirmed his government’s determination to defeat terrorism and restore peace across the country. He made the declaration in Abuja during a session of the Federal Executive Council, shortly after the swearing-in of two new ministers. He said the task ahead is immense but insisted that his administration will move forward with unity and purpose under the “Renewed Hope Agenda.”
Tinubu’s remarks come amid heightened tension in Nigeria’s relations with the Donald Trump administration of the United States. The U.S. had threatened possible military action in Nigeria over allegations of religious persecution and mass killings of Christians by Islamist extremists. Some U.S. military planners reportedly drew up strike options including air strikes inside Nigeria.
In his address, Tinubu affirmed that Nigeria is engaging the world diplomatically and remains open to partnership with allies. At the same time, he stressed that the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity will be respected in all security efforts. He told the ministers and the nation that the government wants “our friends to help us as we step up our fight against terrorism, and we will eliminate it.”
He also referred to the positive economic indicators under his administration, including the oversubscription of a recent Eurobond issue and steady growth in key sectors, as signs of resilience in the face of security and political headwinds.
Despite the strong rhetoric, analysts note the challenge ahead is significant. Nigeria faces multiple security threats, including insurgency by Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in the northeast, banditry and pastoral-farmer violence in central states, and militant activity in other regions. These complications make the eradication of terrorism a complex endeavour.
