Nigeria’s security is non-negotiable, says Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu says securing Nigeria is non-negotiable.

He added that the federal government has recorded significant progress in counter-insurgency operations across the country.

In a statement posted on the presidency’s X handle, Tinubu said his administration has intensified inter-agency cooperation, resulting in the arrest, elimination, and conviction of several terrorists and insurgents responsible for major attacks in recent years.

“The security of Nigeria is non-negotiable,” Tinubu said.

“Since 2023, the Federal Government of Nigeria, through enhanced inter-agency cooperation, has vigorously pursued, arrested, eliminated, or successfully convicted terrorists and insurgents, especially those responsible for some of the most heinous attacks on Nigerian territory.”

According to the presidency, more than 124 terrorists and insurgents have been convicted since 2024, while others, including members of the Ansaru leadership and suspects linked to the Owo church bombing in 2022 and the Yelwata reprisal attacks in Benue, are currently facing trial.

Tinubu said the federal government has strengthened security coordination through joint task forces, enhanced border patrols, intelligence-sharing with regional and international partners, and compensation for victims of insurgency.

“Joint security task forces, enhanced border patrols with local and regional partners, compensation for victims, permanent joint patrols, and intelligence collaboration with international partners are among the remedial actions taken to protect lives further and the sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the statement added.

“As of 2025, Nigeria has witnessed an 81% decrease in terror-related deaths since 2015, a pointer to enhanced counter-insurgency operations and better collaboration between our National security architecture and with affected communities. 

“Over 13,000 terrorists have been neutralised in the past year, and over 124,000 fighters and dependents have surrendered to authorities.

“Over 2.1million IDPs have also returned home, and new communities are being rebuilt in previously affected areas as normalcy returns.

“The FG has also instituted a Resettlement Scheme for Persons Impacted by Conflict to assist in rebuilding communities and helping integration for displaced and affected persons.”

On October 31, US President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a ‘country of particular concern’ in response to claims of Christian persecution in the country.

Trump asked the federal government to act fast to end the “killing of Christians”, saying he would not rule out air strikes or ground operations to “completely wipe out the Islamic terrorists killing Christians in Nigeria”.