President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to go after terrorists, bandits, insurgents, and separatist groups threatening the nation’s peace and unity
Speaking on Sunday at the grand finale of the 2025 Nigerian Army Day Celebration at the Murtala Square, Kaduna, Tinubu who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima (NADCEL), declared his “full authorisation and trust” to the Nigerian Army to crush criminal elements undermining the country.
“To the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army, I say this with absolute clarity: the time to rise is now. You have my full authorisation and the trust of the Nigerian people to confront and defeat those who seek to undermine our nation. “You are my confidence, my support, and my prayers,” the President said.
He warned that terrorism, insurgency, banditry, and separatist agitations were no longer mere irritants but grave existential threats to the nation.
“These evils do not discriminate. They destroy churches and mosques alike and orphaned children without asking their tribe or faith,” he added.
Tinubu vowed that under his watch, the welfare, morale and operational strength of the armed forces would remain top priority, with sustained investment in modern weapons, intelligence and manpower to ensure Nigeria’s sovereignty remains intact.
He said his administration is not oblivious of the challenges facing the country, “but let it be said plainly: our response must be united, calm, and uncompromising.”
The President assured that his administration stands firmly with the Nigerian Army forces to defeat the criminals.
The President also paid tributes to fallen heroes and wounded soldiers in the war against the criminals, stating that their sacrifices would never be in vain.
He said, “Many of our finest have fallen in the line of duty. Some now lie in silence beneath the soil of a grateful nation. Others carry the wounds of oath as living reminders of sacrifices made in our name. “Their blood will not be shed in vain; their memory will endure through generations,”
The President lauded the role played by the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) and the Nigerian Army Soldiers’ Wives Association (NASWA) for sustaining morale on the home front.
He urged Nigerians not to mortgage the future of the country by shunning divisive tendencies and work together.
“We have no other country but Nigeria. We must not mortgage our future to division, indifference, or delay…” he said.
Speaking earlier, Olufemi Oluyede, the chief of army staff, noted that the most enduring legacy of the Nigerian Army is its indomitable spirit, valour, and the unwavering commitment of the soldier.
He said since the Nigerian Army was established in 1863, it has evolved structurally and technologically over time.
Oluyede explained that the 2025 NADCEL themed, “Developing the Soldier First Concept: Imperative for the Nigerian Army Transformation Drive,” was designed to put the welfare of troops and professionalism at the heart of reforms.
“We cannot build a great army without well-motivated and well-trained soldiers. Their willpower, morale and sense of purpose are the bedrock of national security,” he added.
He said, despite evolving threats, the Army, in synergy with sisters military formations – the Navy, Air Force and other agencies, have consistently denied criminal elements any chance to carve out territories or undermine Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
The event, which was attended by prominent Nigerians, members of the diplomatic Corps and traditional rulers, featured military parades, tactical drills, and an exhibition of advanced hardware.
Among the dignitaries were former Yakubu Gowon, former military head of state, Uba Sani, governor
of Kaduna state, Mohammed Badaru, Defence Minister, Bello Matawalle, Minister of State for Defence, Christopher Musa, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), service chiefs, lawmakers, and royal fathers, as well as three retired former army chiefs – Azubuike Ihejirika, Tukur Buratai and Faruk Yahaya, among others.
Tinubu orders security agencies to crush criminal elements, threatening Nigeria’ s peace, unity
