President Tinubu Orders Nigerian Army to Confront and Defeat Terrorists, Bandits, Insurgents, and Separatists

Strategic Insights -

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given the Nigerian Army and other security forces a firm directive to decisively confront and defeat terrorists, bandits, insurgents, and separatists threatening the peace and unity of the country. Speaking at the grand finale of the 2025 Nigerian Army Day Celebration, Tinubu declared that the time to rise is now and pledged his full authorization and trust of the Nigerian people to enable the military safeguard Nigeria's sovereignty. He warned that terrorism, insurgency, banditry, and separatist agitations are existential dangers that destroy churches and mosques alike and orphan children without asking their tribe or faith.

Key Takeaways:

  • President Tinubu has ordered the Nigerian Army and other security forces to decisively confront and defeat terrorists, bandits, insurgents, and separatists threatening the peace and unity of the country.
  • The President has pledged his full authorization and trust of the Nigerian people to enable the military safeguard Nigeria's sovereignty.
  • The Nigerian Army will prioritize the welfare, morale, and operational capacity of its personnel, with continuous investment in modern equipment, intelligence capabilities, and human resources.
  • The President has assured Nigerians that terrorism, insurgency, banditry, and separatist agitations will not be tolerated, and that the military will work in synergy with other agencies to deny criminal elements the ability to carve out territories or destabilize the country's territorial integrity.
  • The event, which featured parade displays and military hardware exhibitions, attracted serving and retired military chiefs, traditional rulers, and members of the diplomatic corps.
  • President Tinubu has praised the roles of Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association (NAOWA) and Nigerian Army Soldiers' Wives Association (NASWA) in sustaining morale on the home front.
  • Security operatives have arrested at least nine women believed to have been forcibly married to Boko Haram insurgents, with reports indicating that more women were planning to relocate to Kebbi state.
  • Troops of Operation HADIN KAI, in conjunction with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have uncovered a significant cache of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) emplaced by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Borno state.

Statistics:

  • 56 fully prepared IEDs have been safely recovered from the location in Borno state.
  • Nine women believed to have been forcibly married to Boko Haram insurgents have been arrested in Niger state.
  • Reports indicate that more women were planning to relocate to Kebbi state.
  • The Nigerian Army has been investing in modern equipment, intelligence capabilities, and human resources to enhance its operational capacity.

Sources:

  • Premium Times, "Boko Haram wives arrested in Niger State"
  • Nigerian Army Public Relations Officer Operation Hadin Kai Theater Command Headquarters Maiduguri, Captain Reuben Kovangiya, "Successful Operation: 56 IEDs Recovered in Borno State"
  • Presidency, "President Tinubu Addresses Nigerian Army Day Celebration"