President Bola Tinubu claims his administration is winning the battle against terrorism and banditry at an unparalleled rate.
In a nationwide broadcast on Tuesday to commemorate Nigeria’s 64th independence anniversary, the president stated that food security can only be accomplished once terrorists have been eliminated.
He said:
“My administration took over the leadership of our country 16 months ago at a critical juncture.”
“The economy faced many headwinds, and our physical security was highly impaired.
“We found ourselves at a dizzying crossroads, where we must choose between reform for progress and prosperity or carry on business-as-usual and collapse.
“We decided to reform our political economy and defence architecture.
“On the security front, I am happy to announce to you, my compatriots, that our administration is winning the war on terror and banditry.
“Our target is to eliminate all the threats of Boko Haram, banditry, kidnapping for ransom, and the scourge of all forms of violent extremism.”
The president added that at the last count, over 300 Boko Haram insurgents and bandit kingpins have been eliminated by troops.
“Within one year, our government has eliminated Boko Haram and bandit commanders faster than ever,” Tinubu said.
“As of the last count, over 300 Boko Haram and bandit commanders have been eliminated by our gallant troops in the Northeast, Northwest, and some other parts of the country.
“We have restored peace to hundreds of communities in the North, and thousands of our people have been able to return home.
“It is an unfinished business, which our security agencies are committed to ending as quickly as possible.
“As soon as we can restore peace to many communities in the troubled parts of the North, our farmers can return to their farms.
“We expect to see a leap in food production and a downward spiral in food costs. I promise you, we shall not falter on this.”
Nigeria has been waging a war against terrorists since its return to civilian rule in 1999.