Tinubu Orders Military to Crush Terrorists, Bandits, Separatists

President Bola Tinubu has directed Nigeria’s armed forces to go after terrorists, bandits, separatists, and all other criminal elements threatening the country’s peace and sovereignty, declaring that the time to crush them is now.

The President gave this charge at the grand finale of the 2025 Nigerian Army Day celebration held in Kaduna State. Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s full commitment to the welfare of military personnel, pledging continued investment in modern equipment, intelligence, and training to boost operational effectiveness.

He urged the Nigerian Army to uphold professionalism, discipline, and constitutional duty in defending the nation.

“The Nigerian Army has never been just a force of arms. It has been a symbol of unity and duty. It brought the Nigerian Civil War to a close. With those immortal words uttered by the revived General Yakubu Gowon, right now seated in this venue, ‘no victor, no vanquished,’ reminding us that we are one people with one destiny,” Shettima stated.

He noted that Nigerian troops have long served with honour beyond the country’s borders.

“They have fought not for conquest, but for peace. They have stood not for power, but for principle. Today, we honour the enduring sacrifice of these men and women. We honour those who have paid the supreme price. And we honour those who continue to wear the uniform, who stand at the gates of our democracy, shielding us from those who would tear it down.”

Reflecting on this year’s theme — The Nigerian Civil War and Peace — Shettima emphasized the need for transformation within the army, stating that the soldier-peers concept embodies both strategy and humanity.

“You cannot build a great army without building strong soldiers. Their welfare, morale, equipment, and sense of purpose are not afterthoughts. They are the bedrock of national security.”

Reiterating Tinubu’s commitment to military reform, Shettima said the administration would stand firmly with the armed forces on their path to renewal.

“We are not unaware of the challenges that confront our nation. Terrorism, insurgency, banditry, and separatist agitations have threatened our peace. These are not mere security threats; they are existential ones.

And let it be said plainly, these evils do not discriminate by tribe or people. They destroy churches and mosques alike. They abduct children without asking why they worship. Therefore, our response must be united, firm, and uncompromising.”

For years, bandits have operated with impunity across the North West, exploiting vast rural areas for ransom-driven kidnappings. In the North East, jihadist groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP continue to pose threats, while the Middle Belt remains a flashpoint for deadly ethnic and religious violence.

Benue State recorded the highest civilian death toll with 6,896 killed, followed by Plateau with 2,630 deaths — according to a report released by Amnesty International to mark Tinubu’s second year in office.

Despite Tinubu’s initial vow to prioritise security when he assumed office, Amnesty Nigeria’s director, Isa Sanusi, painted a grim picture.

“Instead, things have only gotten worse, as the authorities continue to fail to protect the rights to life, physical integrity, liberty, and the security of tens of thousands of people across the country,” Sanusi said.

He added that the recent wave of violence in the North — including renewed Boko Haram attacks — shows that the administration’s current security approach is ineffective.

“The recent escalation of attacks by Boko Haram and other armed groups shows that the security measures implemented by President Tinubu’s government are simply not working,” Sanusi said.

In his own second anniversary remarks, Tinubu defended the efforts of the military, saying they had restored order in many troubled regions.

“With the successes achieved, farmers are back tilling the land to feed us. Highways hitherto dangerous for travellers have become safer,” the President stated.

Beyond terrorism and banditry, the government also faces growing separatist agitation in the southeast, further complicating Nigeria’s security landscape.