President Bola Tinubu has delivered a strong message to terrorists and insurgents operating in Nigeria and the wider Sahel region: surrender or prepare for an intensified military onslaught. The President’s warning came during the inauguration of the News Agency of Nigeria’s (NAN) Inaugural Annual International Lecture, held on Thursday in Abuja.
Represented by the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, President Tinubu stressed the government’s unwavering determination to tackle the ongoing security challenges head-on. He highlighted that those involved in insurgency and terrorism must abandon their destructive activities, or the full force of Nigeria’s military will be unleashed in a renewed campaign aimed at dismantling the threats to peace and stability.
The event, themed “Insecurity in the Sahel (2008-2024): Dissecting Nigeria’s Challenges – Genesis, Impacts and Options,” was organized by NAN as part of its efforts to explore and provide solutions to the complex issue of insecurity that has plagued Nigeria and the Sahel for over a decade. The lecture brought together security experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to examine the root causes, the far-reaching impacts, and potential solutions to the insecurity that has destabilized the region.
President Tinubu’s warning comes at a critical time when insurgent groups, particularly in northern Nigeria and across the Sahel, continue to threaten national and regional stability. The President made it clear that his administration will not waver in its commitment to restore order, pledging that all necessary military measures will be deployed to neutralize these threats. This signals a renewed push to fortify national security and ensure that insurgents are left with no option but to surrender or face the consequences.
The lecture series, initiated by NAN, underscores the importance of collaborative efforts and expert discussions in addressing the deep-rooted issues that drive insecurity. As Nigeria and its regional partners work toward a more secure and stable future, the President’s warning serves as a clear message to all hostile groups: the days of impunity are over, and the military is ready to act decisively.
