President Bola Tinubu has hailed men and women of the Nigerian Armed Forces for their sacrifices to the nation.

Speaking during the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) conference in Abuja, on Wednesday, Tinubu raised important questions about the important role they play.

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He said that given the risks Nigerian soldiers take to protect the territorial integrity of the country, the military deserves the support and encouragement of all Nigerians.

“Yes, we are challenged by terrorism, banditry, and others. We recognise that.

“Are we doing something about it? Are we inspiring the armed forces? Are we encouraging them to fight?

“They put their lives on the line to defend the sovereignty of this country. It is our responsibility,” he said.

Insecurity

The President’s comments came amid concerns over insecurity in different parts of the country.

There have been calls on the Federal Government to nip the spate of killings by terrorists and bandits in the bud.

Earlier in the month, United States President Trump said Christianity faces an existential threat in Nigeria, describing the alleged killing as a “mass slaughter”.

The US president added that the United States “cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening”.

But the Federal Government urged the US President to be understanding in his approach to Nigeria’s security challenges.

It said it was winning the war against terrorism with major achievements recorded in the north-eastern part of the country.

Last Thursday, Tinubu pledged his administration’s resolve to deepen global engagement and intensify the fight against terrorism and criminality.

“The task ahead is immense. But we are resolved to move forward with unity and purpose, to defeat terrorism and build a prosperous, inclusive, and resilient Nigeria,” he said.

‘Decrease’ In Terror-Related Deaths

On Sunday, the Presidency said Nigeria had witnessed an 81 per cent decrease in terror-related deaths since 2015, according to the Presidency.

It said the decline reflects improved counter-insurgency operations and stronger collaboration between the country’s security agencies and affected communities.

It revealed that more than 13,000 terrorists have been neutralised in the past year, while over 124,000 fighters and their dependents have surrendered to authorities.

The Presidency also noted that more than 2.1 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) have returned home, with new communities being rebuilt in previously affected areas as normalcy gradually returns.

“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.

“Since 2024, over 124 terrorists and insurgents have been successfully convicted, while others — including members of the Ansaru leadership and those responsible for the Owo Church bombing in 2022, as well as the Yelwata (Benue) reprisal and counter-reprisal attacks — are undergoing trial in various courts,” it said on its official X account.