Tinubu asks Nigerians to help security forces with information

President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerians to help security agencies fight terrorism, banditry, and other violent crimes by sharing timely and reliable information with the authorities.

In a message on his X handle on Monday, the president said that defeating terrorism needs everyone’s effort. He called the fight against insecurity a national responsibility.

“The fight against terror is not only a military operation,” he wrote. “It is a national duty. Citizens must support our security forces by providing timely, useful information.”

Mr Tinubu asked Nigerians to stay alert and work with security agencies. He emphasized the need to report any suspicious activities that might help stop attacks and support ongoing operations.

“When you see something, say something. When you know something, report it,” he added.

Mr Tinubu also reaffirmed his government’s commitment to defeating terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and other violent groups. He insisted that Nigeria would not give in to fear or let criminals shape the country's identity.

“Nigeria will not surrender to fear. We will not allow terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, or violent extremists to define who we are as a people. Their violence is not our identity. Their hatred does not represent Nigerians of any faith, creed, or community,” he stated.

Mr Tinubu praised members of the armed forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the State Security Service (SSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), intelligence agencies, local security groups, and other workers who contribute to national security.

He recognized the difficulties faced by security operatives and their families, paying tribute to those who lost their lives while serving.

The president noted that the bravery and commitment of frontline personnel allow millions of Nigerians to live, work, worship, farm, and run their businesses despite ongoing security threats.

He also expressed gratitude to security personnel for their service and prayed for their safety as they carry out operations nationwide.

Nigeria has been dealing with various security threats, including insurgency, resource-based conflicts (like the farmers-herders’ crisis), banditry, ethnic and religious violence, and piracy across the nation.

The Boko Haram insurgency has lasted for 16 years, expanding from its main North-east base to North-central after major splits in 2012 and 2016. The insurgency is now moving southward under President Tinubu.

In the North-west and North-central, the ongoing farmers-herders crisis is evolving into banditry, which overlaps with jihadism or terrorism in these areas.

Past governments have continued to launch military operations and counterterrorism efforts, including a deradicalisation, rehabilitation, and reintegration program that has faced criticism from many Nigerians.

While many experts think that ongoing military offensives are the best way to tackle Nigeria’s security issues, others believe that dialogue, negotiations, and other peaceful measures are needed to support current combat operations.