The armed forces of Nigeria have made admirable improvements in the fight against terrorism, insurgency, banditry and other states of violent crimes across the land. This was stated by the President of Nigeria Bola Tinubu at the NAN Inaugural Annual International Lecture in Abuja. The Lecture with the theme,

“Insecurity in the Sahel (2008-2024): Dissecting Nigeria’s Challenges – Genesis, Impacts and Options”

was devised by the management of NAN as part of measures to tackle the menace of insecurity in the Sahel and Nigeria.

He comforted Nigerians with the government’s pledge to return the country to the path of stability through kinetic and non-kinetic approaches. Tinubu was represented by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam  Nuhu Ribadu

“We have noticed a difference that you are making and of course, our security forces, represented here by our own Gen. Christopher Musa and all of you in the armed forces formation. This country will continue to be grateful to our armed forces and the security forces. We are beginning to restore order. We are beginning to get stability. We are beginning to have a new Nigeria. Nigeria is getting to be stable,”

he stated.

He expressed that the incidence of mass kidnaps in Abuja-Kaduna and Lokoja highways had been made safe in the last one of his government, adding that order was being repaired in the South East where all the police stations were back to work. According to him, since 2023, up to now, not a single attack has taken place as terrorism against our religious places or any government building or anything.

He noted that, for example, in Abuja, Lagos, Kaduna, Kano, and similar places, there hadn’t been a single case of that issue. He reflected on how much the country has changed in a short period and expressed a determination not to relent. He mentioned that, for the first time, the borders are open and the nation is sharing its wealth with neighbouring countries rather than with criminals. He highlighted the establishment of a ministry of livestock in Nigeria, which aims to address the long-standing issues between herders and farmers. He emphasized that this represents the new Nigeria they are discussing.

The president praised NAN for their foresight in coming up with the lecture, stating that a secured Nigeria was also a protected Sahel region. He stated that fixing Nigeria’s challenges would ultimately translate into the other regions of the neighbouring countries facing challenges and hardships.

He stated that, in addressing security challenges, the administration has adopted a multifaceted approach as outlined in the renewed hope agenda, which prioritizes security as a key focus of the government. He added that over the past year, the administration has implemented processes, policies, and programs aimed at enhancing security, promoting economic development, and improving the welfare of all Nigerians.