Yesterday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu told bandits, terrorists and other criminal elements to surrender immediately or be neutralised.
He gave the warning in Abuja during a lecture organised by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
“Enough is enough. This has to stop. And it will stop. This is a warning to them. They have limited time,” the President added.
He was represented by National Security Adviser (NSA) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
The lecture with the theme: “Insecurity in the Sahel (2008-2024): Dissecting Nigeria’s challenges – genesis, impacts, and options,” provided a platform to address the enormous security challenges in the region.
African Union Chief Mediator on Sudan, Dr Mohammed Ibn Chambas, was the guest speaker at the event chaired by former Head of State Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar.
Speaking further, the President said: “The non-kinetic approach is still important.
“Our windows are open, our doors are open if they are ready to come and surrender and stop, otherwise they know what is going to happen to them.
“We have put in place institutions and are promoting accountability to address the root causes of insecurity as well as investing in job creation, infrastructure development, and social services to reduce poverty and inequality.
“We have developed both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies in considerably eliminating the threats of Boko Haram, banditry, kidnapping for ransom, and violent extremists.
“As a chair of our regional bloc ECOWAS, we are strengthening regional collaboration with neighbouring countries to share intelligence, coordinate security efforts, and address common challenges.”
Tinubu added: “We want peace; we want security. We are not enemies with anybody.
“I am happy that we renewed the onslaught by our gallant troops against enemies of our nation in the Northeast and Northwest.
‘’Our citizens can now heave a sigh of relief. We shall continue to provide our armed forces with the needed human and material resources to achieve success.
‘’No doubt there is no time other than now for all of us to work together to build a safer and more prosperous Nigeria.”
