President Bola Tinubu has declared that his administration is achieving unprecedented success in combating terror and banditry in Nigeria.
In a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday, marking the countryโs 64th Independence Day, the president linked food security to the defeat of terrorists.
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โMy administration took over the leadership of our country 16 months ago at a critical juncture,โ Tinubu said. โThe economy faced many headwinds, and our physical security was highly impaired. We found ourselves at a dizzying crossroads, where we must choose between two paths: reform for progress and prosperity or carry on business-as-usual and collapse.โ
He emphasized the governmentโs choice to reform Nigeriaโs political economy and defence structure.
โOn the security front, I am happy to announce to you, my compatriots, that our administration is winning the war on terror and banditry,โ Tinubu stated. โOur target is to eliminate all the threats of Boko Haram, banditry, kidnapping for ransom, and the scourge of all forms of violent extremism.โ
He revealed that the Nigerian military has made significant progress in tackling insurgency. โWithin one year, our government has eliminated Boko Haram and bandit commanders faster than ever,โ the president noted. โAs of the last count, over 300 Boko Haram and bandit commanders have been eliminated by our gallant troops in the Northeast, Northwest, and some other parts of the country.โ
The president also highlighted the return of peace to numerous communities in the North, allowing displaced persons to go back to their homes.
โIt is an unfinished business, which our security agencies are committed to ending as quickly as possible,โ Tinubu added.
He further stated that restoring peace in affected areas will enable farmers to return to their fields, boosting food production and reducing food costs. โI promise you, we shall not falter on this,โ the president assured.