Tinubu Pledges Advanced Security Measures to Combat Banditry and Terrorism in North-west
President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s commitment to reclaiming ungoverned areas, particularly the forests, in the North-west and across Nigeria. Speaking during a state dinner held at the Government House in Katsina , the president promised to deploy advanced surveillance technology to combat rising cases of kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism.
Addressing Katsina elders and leaders on Friday night, Tinubu acknowledged the security challenges facing the country and assured stakeholders of decisive action.
“On the issue of security raised by former governor Aminu Bello Masari again this evening, yes, I agree that security is a challenge for the country. I addressed the men and women of the armed forces earlier today and assured them that we will do everything to fight terrorism and banditry,” he said.
Securing Ungoverned Spaces and Boosting Investment
The president emphasized the need to reclaim forests and other ungoverned spaces, which have become hideouts for criminals and insurgents.
“We will invest more in technology and take over the forests. Security is a national issue, not just at the local or regional levels. If we genuinely need investment in Nigeria, we must address security. Investment is cowardly, and it will not go where there is banditry and terrorism. We will solve the problem together with the states and local councils,” he stated.
Tinubu also highlighted encouraging signs of Nigeria’s economic recovery, attributing recent positive growth indicators to bold policy decisions. He announced plans to upgrade the airport in Katsina State to create jobs and expand the economy, further underscoring his administration’s focus on development alongside security.
Support for Victims of Terrorism
In his remarks, President Tinubu assured victims of terrorism and insecurity that the federal government would provide the necessary support to help them rebuild their lives.
“We understand the pain and suffering caused by these acts of violence, and we are committed to ensuring that those affected receive the assistance they need,” he said.
The president also expressed gratitude to key political figures, including former governor Aminu Bello Masari , for their roles in securing his emergence as the APC presidential candidate. He extended appreciation to governors from Kaduna, Jigawa, Borno, Benue, Yobe, Sokoto, and Kwara states who attended the event, which coincided with the inauguration of projects and the wedding of Governor Dikko Radda’s daughter.
CAN Backs Peace Efforts in the Middle Belt
In a related development, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has thrown its weight behind ongoing peace efforts aimed at resolving persistent violence in the Middle Belt , particularly in Plateau, Benue, and Gombe states .
In a statement signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh , CAN condemned the “brutal attacks and persistent violence” plaguing the region, describing the situation as intolerable.
“We unequivocally reaffirm our steadfast commitment to advocating for their safety, security, and dignity. We will not relent in our pursuit of justice and lasting peace for all affected communities,” the statement read.
Call for Unity and Caution Against Fake News
CAN urged Nigerians from all faiths, ethnic groups, and professional backgrounds to support peace initiatives and avoid actions that could worsen the country’s fragile security climate.
“Engagements with stakeholders across professional, ethnic, and religious lines are recognised diplomatic practices that foster dialogue and mutual understanding. Any actions or statements that heighten tensions risk destabilising our nation, and we therefore call for the utmost caution,” Archbishop Okoh stated.
He also warned against the spread of fake news, which he said could inflame tensions and deepen divisions. Instead, he called for unity, urging Nigerians to embrace teachings of love, peace, and mutual trust.
“We appeal to all citizens to refrain from spreading unverified information that may deepen divisions. The strength of our nation lies in our unity, and it is only through collective effort that we can build a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria,” he added.
Acknowledging Diplomatic Efforts
Archbishop Okoh commended ongoing diplomatic efforts, particularly the engagement of U.S. Ambassador Richard Mills , and called on international partners and local bodies such as the Nigerian Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) to intensify collaborative solutions to the country’s security challenges.
Call to Action (CTA)
Stay updated on President Tinubu’s security and economic initiatives, as well as ongoing peace efforts in Nigeria. Follow us for insights into policies shaping the nation’s future.
👉 Subscribe Now | Follow Us | Share This Story
About the author
Ibrahim Traoré accueille le président de l’UA Évariste Ndayishimiye à Ouagadougou
Le Président du Faso, Ibrahim Traoré, a accueilli ce lundi 20 avril 2026 au matin, à l’aéroport international de Ouagadougou, le Président en exercice de l’Union africaine, Évariste Ndayishimiye. Cette visite officielle s’inscrit dans le cadre des relations diplomatiques entre les États africains et les institutions continentales. Des échanges avec la Confédération AES Au cours de son séjour, le chef de l’État burundais, également président en exercice de l’UA, aura des échanges avec Ibrahim Traoré en sa qualité de Président de la Confédération des États du Sahel (AES). Ces discussions devraient porter sur des enjeux politiques, sécuritaires et de coopération régionale. Visites d’infrastructures à Ouagadougou Le programme de la visite prévoit également des déplacements sur plusieurs infrastructures socio-économiques dans la capitale, Ouagadougou. Ces visites visent à mettre en lumière les initiatives de développement en cours dans le pays. Une visite […]
LOOMIC : ABSTERGO lance une nouvelle marque d’accessoires tech au Burkina Faso
Dans un contexte où les accessoires numériques occupent une place centrale dans la vie quotidienne, ABSTERGO TECHNOLOGY franchit une nouvelle étape. Le 18 avril 2026, l’entreprise a officiellement lancé LOOMIC, une marque dédiée aux essentiels technologiques, avec une ambition claire : allier performance, design et accessibilité. Une vision : rendre la technologie utile et accessible Avec LOOMIC, ABSTERGO TECHNOLOGY veut combler le fossé entre le haut de gamme et l’accessibilité. Selon son fondateur, Marthial Oubda, les accessoires du quotidien ont longtemps été sous-estimés. « La technologie doit faire plus que fonctionner. Elle doit simplifier et améliorer l’expérience », a-t-il expliqué. LOOMIC se positionne ainsi comme une marque centrée sur l’essentiel, avec une approche axée sur l’innovation utile et un design minimaliste. Voltis : un écosystème de charge performant La marque inaugure sa gamme Voltis, dédiée à l’énergie et à la […]
Audit Exposes GHS427m Payroll Scandal at Defence Ministry
A shocking audit report has uncovered a massive payroll scandal involving a senior government official who allegedly received over GHS427 million in unearned salaries over 29 months. The individual at the center of the controversy, Frank Oliver Kpodo, served as Director of Procurement at the Ministry of Defence Ghana during the period under review. Millions Paid for No Work Done According to findings by the Auditor-General of Ghana, the payments were made between January 2023 and June 2025. On average, this amounts to more than GHS14 million per month—funds reportedly paid without corresponding work. The audit, which examined government payroll systems, aimed to ensure that only legitimate employees receive salaries. Instead, it exposed what appears to be a deeply flawed system. Part of a Larger Payroll Leak The report found that over 6,000 government employees collectively received more than GHS800 […]
Old Tafo MP Questions NPRA Sole Sourcing, Raises Transparency Concerns
The Member of Parliament for Old Tafo Constituency, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, has raised fresh concerns about procurement practices at the National Pensions Regulatory Authority (NPRA). He warned that the growing use of sole sourcing could undermine transparency and value for money. Questions Over High-Value Contracts Speaking on Dwaso Nsem on Adom FM, Assafuah pointed to several major contracts awarded through sole sourcing. These include: A consultancy deal worth GH¢4.2 million A vehicle procurement arrangement exceeding GH¢17 million and $160,000 According to him, the repeated reliance on sole sourcing for such high-value transactions raises serious concerns about due process. “Sole sourcing is meant for urgency and necessity, not convenience and favouritism,” he stated. Concerns Over Costly Consultancy Engagements The MP also questioned the need for certain consultancy services. He noted that a reported monthly cost of about GH¢175,000 could suggest duplication […]
Kaya : 190 jeunes et femmes reçoivent des kits pour lancer leurs activités
À Kaya, 190 personnes, majoritairement des jeunes et des femmes, disposent désormais des moyens nécessaires pour lancer leurs propres activités génératrices de revenus. Le 25 mars 2026, SOS Villages d’Enfants a procédé à la remise officielle de kits d’installation complets, marquant une nouvelle étape dans son programme d’autonomisation. Un investissement de près de 40 millions FCFA L’opération représente un investissement global de 39 751 400 FCFA. Ce montant se répartit comme suit : 27 361 650 FCFA pour l’acquisition du matériel 12 389 750 FCFA consacrés à la formation technique des bénéficiaires L’objectif est clair : permettre un démarrage immédiat des activités avec des compétences solides. Des équipements pour plusieurs métiers Les kits distribués couvrent différents secteurs d’activité : Production d’attiéké : 32 femmes Coupe et couture : 42 bénéficiaires Transformation de produits ligneux : 56 personnes Teinture de pagnes […]
JEPPC 2026 : Émile Zerbo appelle à consommer local pour renforcer la souveraineté
Le Burkina Faso a officiellement lancé, ce 26 mars 2026, la première phase des Journées nationales d’engagement patriotique et de participation citoyenne (JEPPC). La cérémonie, organisée au ministère de la Justice, a été présidée par Émile Zerbo, ministre d’État chargé de l’Administration territoriale. Un thème centré sur la souveraineté alimentaire Pour cette troisième édition, le thème choisi est clair :« Produisons burkinabè, consommons burkinabè, notre assiette, notre fierté » À travers ce message, les autorités entendent promouvoir un changement profond des habitudes de consommation et renforcer le patriotisme économique. Un discours fort contre la dépendance aux importations Relayant le message du chef de l’État, Émile Zerbo a dénoncé une forme d’impérialisme ancrée dans le quotidien. Selon lui, la dépendance aux produits importés affaiblit l’économie nationale et marginalise les producteurs locaux. Il a notamment pointé du doigt la présence massive de […]
Related
FG orders emergency repairs on Bida–Lambata road
The Federal Government has ordered emergency repairs on the dilapidated Bida–Lambata road in Niger State, following sustained complaints from motorists, transporters and residents over persistent gridlock and accidents on the route. The corridor is a major economic artery linking Niger to other parts of the country, but its poor state has long caused hardship for commuters and disrupted movement of goods and farm produce. According to the Ministry of Works, the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has been mobilised to site to begin palliative and emergency intervention works aimed at easing traffic and restoring safer passage. The directive was issued after a stakeholders’ meeting with the National Association of Road Transport Owners and other transport unions, where government officials received fresh reports of stranded vehicles and long queues along the axis. Officials explained that the emergency repairs will focus on […]
NMDPRA boss targets energy reform, improved fuel supply
The Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Umar Rabiu, has outlined an ambitious agenda to reform Nigeria’s energy sector and strengthen fuel supply nationwide. Rabiu, recently nominated by President Bola Tinubu to lead the regulator, said his priority is to eliminate bottlenecks in the petroleum supply chain and guarantee consistent availability of petrol, diesel and other key products. Speaking at recent industry engagements and in a series of public statements, he pledged to focus on energy security, improved infrastructure and better coordination with operators and other government agencies. He stressed that the Authority would maintain strategic stock buffers and strengthen monitoring of depots, filling stations and transport corridors to curb product hoarding and sharp practices. Rabiu’s agenda builds on ongoing reforms under the Petroleum Industry Act, which current and former NMDPRA leaders say have […]
Troops bust illegal arms factories in Plateau, arrest five suspects
Troops operating in Plateau State have uncovered illegal arms factories and arrested at least five suspects believed to be involved in the fabrication and supply of locally made weapons. The raids mark a significant step in ongoing efforts to disrupt the flow of illicit arms fuelling violence and criminality in parts of the North Central region. According to reports, troops under Operation Enduring Peace and related joint task forces stormed clandestine arms manufacturing hubs in areas including Langtang North Local Government Area. During one of the operations in Gwandanu village, soldiers found a fully equipped workshop where suspects were caught in the process of fabricating sophisticated firearms. Items recovered from the sites included at least two AK 47 rifles, a G3 rifle and other finished or semi finished weapons. Troops also seized equipment such as generating sets, welding and drilling […]
Navy intercepts 130 bags of smuggled rice in Badagry
The Nigerian Navy has intercepted 130 bags of smuggled foreign rice in the Badagry area of Lagos State during a recent anti smuggling operation. The seizure is part of ongoing efforts by naval authorities to clamp down on economic saboteurs operating along Nigeria’s western maritime corridor and border creeks. According to naval sources, personnel attached to the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Badagry carried out intelligence led patrols along the Badagry–Porto Novo axis before tracking down the smugglers. The operation, conducted in line with the Navy’s harmonised standard operating procedures, led to the confiscation of multiple bags of foreign parboiled rice that had been brought in through illegal routes. The intercepted consignment, each bag weighing 50kg, was later handed over to the Nigeria Customs Service for further investigation and necessary action. Officials of Customs’ Seme Area Command and Western Marine Command […]
El-Rufai’s son dumps APC as three other Reps defect to new parties
Fresh defections have hit the House of Representatives as Bello El Rufai, son of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El Rufai, and three other lawmakers dumped their parties for new platforms. The moves come amid intensifying political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections. Bello El Rufai, who represents Kaduna North Federal Constituency, formally resigned from the ruling All Progressives Congress and defected to the African Democratic Congress. His letter of defection was read by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas during Thursday’s plenary session. Two other lawmakers from Kaduna State, Suleiman Yahaya Richifa and Umar Ajilo, also left the Peoples Democratic Party to join the ADC. Both had been elected on the PDP platform but cited internal crises and loss of confidence in the party’s leadership as reasons for their defection. In a related development, Kamilu Ado (also reported as Abdulhakeem Kamilu […]
NDLEA, US DEA smash global drug laundering syndicate, arrest kingpins
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, in collaboration with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration and European partners, has dismantled a major transnational drug money laundering syndicate linked to hundreds of billions of naira in illicit proceeds. The joint operation led to the arrest of an alleged billionaire drug baron and two suspected female kingpins. According to statements released by the NDLEA, the multi country sting involved the US DEA Lagos Country Office and law enforcement agencies from Switzerland, France and Greece. Months of intelligence led investigations uncovered a complex network used to launder drug proceeds through front companies, shell firms, pass through bank accounts and cryptocurrency wallets. The operation culminated in the arrest of the suspected cartel boss, identified as billionaire businessman Amadi Simon, in Switzerland. His alleged accomplices, 34 year old Jecinta Amara Ikechi and 28 year old […]