By Sabiu Abdullahi
President Bola Tinubu has described banditry and terrorism as serious threats to Nigeria’s economy and security, stating that urgent action is required to end the menace.
He said his administration would reinforce the country’s security architecture to tackle the challenge and restore stability.
Tinubu spoke on Monday at the opening session of the two-day National Economic Council conference held at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja. He assured Nigerians that decisive steps would be taken against criminal groups responsible for violence across parts of the country.
“To further find means to strengthen our security forces to defeat terrorism and combat banditry.
“That, I promise you…is what has kept all of us sleepless at night, but I assure you that we will win with determination and resilience,” Tinubu said.
He stressed that such acts of violence are not in line with Nigerian values and must be eliminated.
“This banditry and terrorism are unacceptable. It is not part of our culture. It is foreign to us.
“So it is an economic hindrance if we do not find an immediate solution to it.”
His remarks follow a series of deadly attacks in different states. One of the most severe incidents occurred on February 3 in Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, where at least 162 residents lost their lives in an ആക്രമ by suspected extremists.
Reports indicated that the attackers struck after residents rejected demands to adopt a strict version of Sharia law. The violence led to several deaths and injuries, while dozens of people, mostly women and children, were abducted.
Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, had earlier described the incident as a “brutal and deliberate massacre” and genocide.
On the same day, another attack in Doma communities of Faskari Local Government Area in Katsina State left at least 20 people dead after a local peace arrangement broke down.
At the NEC meeting, Tinubu acknowledged the efforts of some state governors in tackling insecurity, particularly those from Borno and Katsina states.
“I commend many of you, particularly the governor of Borno State, Katsina, many of you who have done so much to defend our freedom, liberty and our commonwealth,” he said.
The President also linked the security crisis to ongoing livestock reforms. He noted that the conference should come up with clear decisions on ranching and investment in livestock as part of efforts to address clashes between farmers and herders.
“I’m confident that the resolution of this conference will include dairy farming, livestock investment, ranches and diversification of our agricultural produce.
“I promise you here, I will play my part. I promise Nigeria that this will be delivered,” Tinubu said.
He recalled that he had earlier directed Vice President Kashim Shettima and the NEC to prepare a roadmap for transforming the livestock sector through ranching.
“We must eliminate these areas of conflict and make the livestock reform economically viable,” the President had said at a previous Federal Executive Council meeting.
Following that directive, the NEC inaugurated a Livestock Development Committee chaired by Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris to accelerate the implementation of ranching reforms nationwide.
The ongoing conference, presided over by Vice President Shettima, was convened by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu. It is themed ‘Delivering Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development: The Renewed Hope National Development Plan.’
Participants include state governors, senior government officials, development partners, and private sector representatives. Discussions are expected to focus on key economic priorities such as fiscal coordination, investment drive, and joint development strategies between federal and state governments.
