In a bold move to address the growing security crisis in Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu has directed the country’s security agencies to take decisive action and end all forms of insecurity by 2025.
The directive, made public by the Minister of State for Defence, Alhaji Bello Matawalle, has sent a strong message to Nigerians that the government is committed to tackling the country’s security challenges head-on. The announcement came during a gathering of All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters in Gusau, Zamfara State, on Saturday.
Matawalle, addressing the crowd, emphasised that the government was determined to equip security agencies with the necessary tools and support to eradicate the persistent insecurity that has plagued many parts of the country.
“The President has given a clear order that by 2025, all forms of insecurity must be dealt with,” Matawalle stated. “We are ready to provide all the required resources to the security forces so they can carry out their duties without hindrance.”
The announcement has sparked mixed reactions across Nigeria, with many citizens expressing cautious optimism. Security has been a significant concern for the nation, especially with the rise of banditry, kidnapping, and insurgency in several states.
Matawalle further revealed that the government had already made significant strides in procuring necessary security equipment to aid the fight against criminals. He mentioned that some of the security gadgets have already been deployed in Sokoto, a state that has been severely impacted by banditry in recent months.
“I have visited many countries to purchase security gadgets, and some of them have already been received and deployed to Sokoto,” Matawalle said. “We are ensuring that security forces have everything they need to tackle these issues effectively.”
As part of the government’s broader strategy, Matawalle urged local communities to collaborate with security forces in the fight against criminals. He specifically called on citizens to expose informants, whether they reside in remote areas or within their communities.
“Communities must support security agencies by exposing criminals and their collaborators,” the Minister added. “We cannot succeed without the cooperation of the people. Intelligence is crucial to the success of our mission.”
Matawalle’s remarks underline the importance of community involvement in solving Nigeria’s security problems. Over the years, community leaders have often expressed frustration at the lack of trust between local populations and security forces. The government’s call for greater community cooperation may be seen as a step towards rebuilding that trust.
The Minister also shared his plans to assess security challenges in the affected regions over the next week. He announced that he would be touring various communities within Zamfara State to review the situation and ensure that necessary measures are put in place to address security concerns.
“During the next seven days, I will be visiting some of the affected communities to assess the situation firsthand,” Matawalle explained. “We are committed to taking swift action to secure these areas and protect innocent lives.”
The security crisis in Nigeria has reached a boiling point, with armed groups terrorising communities, kidnapping for ransom, and engaging in violent clashes with security forces. In the North-West and North-Central regions, banditry has been particularly rampant, while the Boko Haram insurgency continues to destabilise the North-East.
While the military has made some headway in combating these threats, the country has struggled to develop a comprehensive solution that addresses the root causes of insecurity. Many Nigerians are hopeful that the new directive from President Tinubu will lead to a more unified and effective response to the growing crisis.
While the government’s commitment to addressing insecurity is being hailed by some, others remain sceptical. Critics argue that previous administrations have made similar promises without delivering concrete results. The success of President Tinubu’s security plan will ultimately depend on the effectiveness of the security agencies and the ability of the government to implement its strategy.
Despite the challenges, President Tinubu’s government appears determined to follow through with its promise. The call for greater community involvement in the fight against crime and the provision of additional resources for security agencies signals a new approach to tackling the nation’s security crisis.
In a final plea, Matawalle urged Nigerians to remain hopeful and continue to support the government’s efforts in the fight against insecurity.
“We must all support President Tinubu’s administration,” he said. “Let us pray for the success of our government and for the safety and security of our nation.”
