President Bola Tinubu yesterday stormed the frontline to motivate soldiers currently locked in battle against terrorism in parts of the country.
Tinubu personally met with the troops stationed in Katsina, one of the states worst hit by terrorism, and warned those pushing to destabilise Nigeria that the country “will not bow—not to fear, not to terror, and not to treachery.”
There has been a surge lately in terrorist attacks and violence, particularly in Plateau and Benue states, which left scores dead and thousands displaced.
Tinubu, speaking on day one of his visit to Katsina to personally assess the security situation there, declared that enemies of Nigeria, be they “domestic collaborators or foreign agents,” would not succeed in breaking the nation’s resolve.
“To those who seek to destabilise our nation, be they domestic collaborators or foreign agents—hear this: Nigeria will not bow. Not to fear. Not to terror. Not to treachery,” the President said.
Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia, recently blamed foreign mercenaries for repeated attacks on his state, echoing a growing concern about the transnational dimension of insecurity in the region.
Tinubu described the Armed Forces as the “shield of Nigeria” and hailed their sacrifices in the face of persistent threats.
He said: “You are the brave sons and daughters who stand between our people and the forces of terror. Every inch of ground you hold, every terrorist you neutralize and every community you secure is a victory for justice, freedom and the future of our children.
“Your resilience in the face of danger inspires the entire nation. Your sacrifices do not go unnoticed.
“You have left behind your families and the comforts of civilian life to wear the uniform of honour and duty. You face danger not for wealth or recognition, but for the love of our dear country.
“That, my brothers and sisters in uniform, is the highest form of patriotism. You are the silent guardians of our democracy, and I salute you.”
The President emphasised that the battle against insecurity was not merely a territorial contest but “a battle for the soul of Nigeria.”
He acknowledged the military’s resilience and called their patriotism “the highest form,” lauding their commitment to serve without expectation of material reward.
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“My dear soldiers, this is a defining moment in our history. The threats of terrorism, banditry and insurgency have persisted for too long.
“Nigerians are counting on us and on you to end this menace and reclaim every inch of our territory,” Tinubu charged.
He assured the troops that their welfare remained a top priority for his administration.
He spoke of plans to improve their housing, healthcare, insurance coverage, family support and prompt payment of allowances.
“We are taking bold steps to equip you with advanced equipment, superior intelligence and robust logistical support not only to defend this nation but to dominate and defeat every adversary,” Tinubu said.
With growing pressure on the government to curb attacks in states like Plateau, Benue, and Borno—where bandits and insurgents have targeted rural populations—the President’s visit underscores the administration’s intent to reinvigorate the military campaign against insecurity.
Tinubu also rallied the troops with a call to action, asking, “Let me hear you loudly: Are you ready? Are you committed to ending this insecurity once and for all? Let your resolve echo through every valley and forest.”
The President reaffirmed his unwavering support for the Armed Forces, promising to match their courage with investment and leadership.
His words: “You, the Nigerian military, are the spearhead of this fight. With your valour and discipline, peace shall prevail.
“Let the enemies of Nigeria know their time is up.
“As your President, I will match your courage with action, investment and unwavering support.
“Stand tall. Be proud. Nigeria depends on you, and I am with you—today, tomorrow and always.
FG’ll complete Kano-Maradi 284km rail project by 2026
Also yesterday, President Tinubu promised that the Federal Government would complete the 284 kilometre Kano-Jigawa-Katsina-Maradi rail project by next year.
He spoke during the inauguration of the Katsina State Agricultural Mechanisation Centre and a 24-kilometre Eastern Bypass.
He said that the Kano-Jigawa-Katsina-Maradi rail project, when completed, would “ease the transportation of persons and goods, thereby relieving the pressure on our roads.”
Tinubu also said that the government has awarded contract for the total rehabilitation of the Marabar Kankara-Dutsinma-Katsina Road.
Contract in respect of the construction of Zaria-Hunkuyi-Dabai-Kafur-Malumfashi-Dayi-Gidan Mutumdaya Road has similarly been awarded.
“We are determined to deliver these roads on schedule,” the President vowed.
He also assured the people of the state that the Federal Government would complete the remaining second phase of Katsina-Kano Road.
“We have resolved the previous technical and bureaucratic challenges, work is ongoing,” Tinubu said.
The President commended Gov. Dikko Radda for the giant strides in the agriculture and infrastructure development in the state.
Radda thanked the Federal Government for providing over 6,000 water pump machines to irrigation farmers.
He said that the state had spent over N2 billion on the purchase of 448,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser for farmers in 2024.
Radda added that the government would on Monday launch the distribution of about 400,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser to farmers for 2025.
He also said that the government had increased the number of extension workers from 72 to over 778.
Troops neutralise five bandits’ leaders in Zamfara
Simultaneously, the Nigerian Army announced that troops of One Brigade, Gusau, Zamfara State neutralised five bandits’ leaders in the state.
The Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations,1 Brigade, Gusau, Capt. Suleiman Omale named the killed bandits as Auta Jijji, Dankali, Sagidi, Kachallah Rijaji, and Kachallah Suza.
Weapons were recovered from them, he said.
He said: “The troops under the command of Brig-Gen. Timothy Opurum, has recorded a major operational success in its ongoing fight against terrorism and banditry in Talata Mafara and Kaura Namoda local government areas of Zamfara.
“In the early hours of Thursday, May 1, the troops of Combat Team 6 (CT 6) on a fighting patrol encountered a large number of armed terrorists who had infiltrated Mai Kwanugga village in Talata Mafara LGA.
“The terrorists have been attacking locals and setting houses ablaze before the arrival of troops.
“Upon contact, the troops decisively engaged the criminals in a fierce gun duel, successfully neutralizing several terrorists, including five notorious bandits’ leaders.
“Reinforcements from 1 Brigade Quick Response Force (QRF) and 1 Brigade Special Forces (1 BSF) pursued the fleeing terrorists, resulting in the recovery of a cache of weapons,” he said.
The recovered weapons include four AK-47 rifles, one PKT Machine Gun, two RPG tubes,6 RPG bombs,28 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and 43 rounds of PKT ammunition.
He said during post-operation exploitation on May 2, locals handed over additional arms and confirmed further details about the neutralized terrorist leaders.
“Unfortunately, two civilians were caught in crossfire by stray bullets.
“The situation is being closely monitored, and efforts to clear the area of residual threats continue,” he explained.
The statement further said that on May 1, troops of Combat Team 2 (CT 2), in coordination with other security agencies, effectively responded to a protest by residents of Dayau village in Kaura Namoda LGA.
“The villagers, expressing frustration over recent bandit attacks, had blocked a major supply route by burning tires and obstructing traffic.
“The security team conducted a non-violent crowd dispersal operation, restored calm, and reopened the road.
“Normalcy has since returned to the area, and routine activities have resumed,” he added.
Brig. Gen. Timothy Opurum commended the gallantry and professionalism of the troops and reassured citizens of the Brigade’s unalloyed commitment to restoring peace and security across the state.
Last month alone, gunmen repeatedly attacked several communities in Benue and Plateau states, killing over 100 people and displacing thousands of others.
Some of the communities attacked in Plateau were Zikke and Kimakpa villages in Bassa district, and Otobi in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue.
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