Insecurity keeps me sleepless, Tinubu says, vows to defeat terrorism, banditry

President Bola Tinubu has acknowledged that worsening insecurity across Nigeria has continued to weigh heavily on his administration, describing it as a challenge that keeps him and key government officials sleepless at night.

The president gave the assurance on Monday in Abuja during the unveiling of the Renewed Hope Development Plan, where he pledged renewed efforts to strengthen national security and defeat terrorism and banditry across the country.

“I am leaving here again to further find means to strengthen our security to defeat terrorism. That I promise you,” Tinubu said.

“It’s what has kept all of us sleepless at night, but I assure you we will win with determination and resilience.”

The president assured Nigerians that his administration would not relent in its commitment to ending violent attacks and criminal activities threatening lives, livelihoods, and national stability.

According to him, insecurity poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s economic aspirations and development agenda.

“We will overcome this unacceptable terrorism and banditry. It’s not part of our culture; it is foreign to us,” Tinubu said.

“It is an economic hindrance if we do not find an immediate solution to it,” he added.

Tinubu, however, commended some state governors for their efforts in supporting security operations within their states. He specifically praised Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, and Governor Umaru Dikko Radda of Katsina State for their roles in strengthening security and safeguarding communities.

“I commend many of you, particularly the governor of Borno State, the governor of Katsina, the governor of Kaduna — many of you who have done so much to defend our freedom, liberty, and our commonwealth,” the president said.

Speaking further, Tinubu explained that the Renewed Hope Development Plan places strong emphasis on economic diversification, increased productivity, and human capital development as key pillars for national growth.

The president’s renewed pledge to tackle insecurity comes amid fresh security concerns following deadly attacks by suspected bandits on Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, where over 40 persons were reportedly killed.

Vanguard gathered that several families lost loved ones during the attacks, while numerous houses were allegedly set ablaze by the assailants.

Credible sources told Vanguard that the attackers, believed to have crossed from neighbouring communities in Niger State, stormed the affected villages and reportedly urged residents to abandon the Nigerian Constitution and embrace the Qur’an.

Sources further disclosed that the same group had previously visited some border communities in Niger State with similar messages before crossing into Kaiama Local Government Area.

According to the sources, disagreement by some residents with the message allegedly angered the attackers, who then opened fire on the gathering, leading to the deadly assault.