Tinubu Reaffirms Commitment to Defeat Banditry, Restore Security in Northern Nigeria

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has restated his administration’s commitment to decisively tackle banditry and terrorism in Northern Nigeria, insisting that no region of the country will be allowed to “bleed in silence.”

Tinubu, represented by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajuddeen Abbas, spoke in Kaduna during the 25th anniversary celebration of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF). He said his government inherited a complex and multi-layered security crisis but remains intent on restoring peace with “urgency and firmness.”

The President warned that Nigeria cannot make meaningful progress if the North remains “paralysed,” stressing that the region’s stability is crucial to national peace and prosperity. He commended the ACF for 25 years of service, describing the group as a collective of patriots, thinkers, mediators and moral voices committed to defending the interests of millions.

Tinubu noted that the North is undergoing one of the most challenging periods in its history—marked by security breakdowns, weakened communal values and moral decline—but maintained that the region has not failed.

“It will only fail if leaders retreat from their responsibility to be their brothers’ keepers,” he said, adding that leadership becomes meaningless the moment leaders sleep comfortably while millions live in fear or go hungry.

He expressed confidence that the region is approaching an economic breakthrough, particularly with the expected commencement of crude oil production from the Kolmani fields and other emerging opportunities.

Tinubu highlighted ongoing federal interventions, including accelerated rail, road and water transport projects. He also revealed that the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Superhighway will be completed and inaugurated in Kano in the coming months.

The President praised the ACF’s proposed Endowment Fund as a forward-thinking initiative focused on girl-child education, youth empowerment, peacebuilding and conflict resolution. He urged Northern leaders in politics, traditional institutions and civil society to recommit to the ACF’s founding principles—courage, justice, fairness and collective responsibility—stressing that unity remains the North’s greatest strength.

“With unity, there is no challenge the North cannot overcome,” he said.

North Has Capacity to Overcome Insecurity — Barau Jibrin

Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who represented the Senate President at the event, expressed confidence that Northern Nigeria can defeat insecurity if leaders and institutions collaborate effectively and utilise available resources.

He congratulated the ACF on its 25th anniversary and paid tribute to its founding fathers, noting that their vision helped shape a resilient Northern region.

Barau acknowledged that while insecurity remains a major concern, similar threats affect countries across West Africa. He emphasised that Northern leaders at the federal level—including himself and the Speaker—are committed to partnering with state and local institutions to address the underlying causes of insecurity.

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