Tinubu Vows Stronger International Collaboration To Eliminate Terrorists
President Bola Tinubu has said Nigeria’s military and security agencies will continue to work with regional and global partners to eliminate terrorists and other criminal elements threatening the country’s peace and stability.
In his New Year message to Nigerians, Tinubu said the government remains committed to reforms, security, and economic growth, stressing that progress cannot be separated from peace and safety.
“My fellow Nigerians, the path of reform is never easy, but it is necessary,” the President said, adding that “economic progress must be accompanied by security and peace.”
Tinubu acknowledged that Nigeria continues to face serious security challenges, noting that “our nation continues to confront security threats from criminal and terrorist elements determined to disrupt our way of life.”
He disclosed that joint actions had already been taken with foreign partners, stating that “in collaboration with international partners, including the United States, decisive actions were taken against terrorist targets in parts of the Northwest on December 24.”
According to him, military operations have not stopped since then, as “our Armed Forces have since sustained operations against terror networks and criminal strongholds across the Northwest and Northeast.”
Looking ahead, Tinubu said security agencies would intensify international collaboration in the new year. “In 2026, our security and intelligence agencies will deepen cooperation with regional and global partners to eliminate all threats to national security,” he said.
The President maintained that the government remains focused on safeguarding citizens and the country’s sovereignty, stressing, “We remain committed to protecting lives, property, and the territorial integrity of our country.”
Tinubu also reiterated his support for security sector reforms, saying he believes “that a decentralised policing system with appropriate safeguards, complemented by properly regulated forest guards, all anchored on accountability, is critical to effectively addressing terrorism, banditry, and related security challenges.”
The United States and Nigeria recently carried out joint airstrikes in Sokoto State targeting terrorist camps linked to ISIS affiliates. The operation reportedly involved U.S. cruise missiles and Nigerian military coordination, marking one of the most significant collaborative counter-terrorism efforts in northern Nigeria.
Beyond security, the President said 2026 would usher in “a more robust phase of economic growth, with tangible improvements in the lives of our people.” He announced plans to accelerate the Renewed Hope Ward
Development Programme, aimed at “bring[ing] at least 10 million Nigerians into productive economic activity by empowering at least 1,000 people in each of the 8,809 wards across the country.”
He added that the government would stimulate grassroots economies “through agriculture, trade, food processing, and mining,” while continuing to invest in infrastructure including “roads, power, ports, railways, airports, pipelines, healthcare, education, and agriculture to strengthen food security and improve quality of life.”
Tinubu assured Nigerians that “all ongoing projects will continue without interruption.”
Calling for collective responsibility, the President said, “Nation-building is a shared responsibility. We must stand together in unity and purpose, uphold patriotism, and serve our country with honour and integrity in our respective roles.”
He concluded by wishing Nigerians well in the new year, saying, “I wish you all a peaceful, productive, and prosperous New Year,” while praying that God would “keep our troops safe and destroy the enemies bent on disrupting our national peace, security and stability.”
