This Fight Has Not Been Easy – Tinubu Speaks on Battle With Insecurity
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has stated that the ongoing campaign against terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping has come with immense pain, pressure, and sacrifice for the country.
In a message posted on X, the President said that while the conflict has not been easy, the federal government remains resolute in its commitment to preventing violent extremists from defining the identity or future of Nigeria.
The President commended the armed forces, police, Department of State Services (DSS), civil defence, intelligence agencies, and local security formations for standing as a shield between innocent citizens and criminal elements.
He noted that the survival and daily socio-economic activities of millions of Nigerians—ranging from farming to trading—rely directly on the vigilance of the personnel stationed across difficult terrains, forests, creeks, and forward operating bases.
His words:
I commend all our patriotic front-line soldiers in the fight against terrorism in all forms.
You stand as a shield between innocent citizens and those who seek to destroy the peace, safety, and dignity of our communities.
In the forests, on the roads, at forward operating bases, in the air, creeks, and across difficult terrains, you carry the burden of national protection so that millions of Nigerians can sleep, work, worship, farm, trade, and raise their children in hope.
This fight has not been easy. It has come with pain, pressure, and sacrifice. But your courage has remained firm. Your service is acknowledged. Your sacrifice is honoured. Your country does not take you for granted.
To every officer and soldier of our Armed Forces, to the Police, DSS, Civil Defence, intelligence services, local security formations, and all who work day and night to keep Nigeria safe, I say thank you.
I also acknowledge the families behind the uniform. Many of you have endured long absences, anxious nights, and the emotional cost of duty. Nigeria remembers that sacrifice, too.
We honour those who have paid the supreme price in defence of our country. Their names may not always trend, but their courage lives on in rescued communities, protected families, and the survival of the nation they served.
The fight against terror is not only a military operation. It is a national duty. Citizens must support our security forces by providing timely, useful information. When you see something, say something. When you know something, report it.
Nigeria will not surrender to fear. We will not allow terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, or violent extremists to define who we are as a people. Their violence is not our identity. Their hatred does not represent Nigerians of any faith, creed, or community.
To our troops and all front-line patriots, thank you for your courage. Thank you for your vigilance. Thank you for your service.
May the Almighty protect you as you protect our country.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu
President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces
Federal Republic of Nigeria
