President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to restoring peace, strengthening national security, and expanding economic opportunity.
He also warned terrorists and other enemies of state to have a rethink or meet their waterloo in the not too distant future.
President Tinubu said this Sunday at the memorial of former Kogi state Governor, Prince Abubakar Audu, in Lokoja.
Represented by Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the president noted that the government was fully mobilised to hunt down the enemies of state wherever they may be and restore the peace that is the rightful inheritance of every Nigerian.
A statement by the media aide to the minister, Rabiu Ibrahim, quoted Idris as conveying the president’s message to the event.
“Yet, we are under no illusions about the recent setbacks and security challenges that have tested our nation’s resolve. Let me be unequivocal: the security and welfare of every Nigerian remain the sacred priority of my government. We have therefore taken decisive action.
“The recent Declaration of a State of Emergency on national security underscores the gravity with which we view this challenge. This is not a mere proclamation; it is a declaration of war against all forms of insecurity.
“As part of this, we have immediately begun the process of expanding the capacity of our armed forces and security agencies in numbers, in advanced weaponry, and in intelligence capabilities. We will hunt the enemies of our state wherever they may be and restore the peace that is the rightful inheritance of every Nigerian.
“But to secure our people permanently, we must reform the very architecture of our security. This is why my administration is courageously championing the establishment of State Police. We believe that a more localised, community-sensitive security structure is vital to complement the valiant efforts of our national forces. It will also boost employment in the grassroots. This is a bold, necessary constitutional step, one that requires our collective will, and we are committed to seeing it through,” he said.
The president further said the federal government was also intensifying international diplomacy to correct false narratives misrepresenting Nigeria’s religious harmony and peaceful coexistence.
…On late Audu’s legacy
Reflecting on the legacy of the late Prince Abubakar Audu, the president described him as a pivotal figure in Nigeria’s democratic evolution.
He described the late politician as a leader whose foresight helped shape the governance foundation of Kogi state and contributed to Nigeria’s transition into stable civilian rule.
According to him, Prince Audu’s political career was not an episode of personal ambition, but an enduring contribution to state-building and institutional strength.
“We are gathered to honour a giant. A man whose name is irrevocably woven into the very fabric of our democratic journey. Prince Abubakar Audu was not just a politician; he was a pathfinder. As the first democratically elected governor of Kogi state, first in 1992 and again as a pioneer in 1999, Prince Audu carved out a vision for Kogi state and helped lay the foundation for our nation’s enduring democracy.
“He was my formidable ally, a brother in the struggle, and one of the founding fathers who, with courage and conviction, laid the foundations upon which our democratic ideals now stand. His legacy is not a relic of the past; it is a living, breathing template of bold leadership and transformative governance. It is a template this administration is committed to honouring, not just in words, but in concrete action,” he said.
…Sectoral reforms
While highlighting ongoing reforms in key sectors of the economy, President Tinubu said his administration was modernising livestock farming framework in order to turn areas of historical tension into engines of economic development and peaceful coexistence.
“We are launching a comprehensive initiative to modernise the livestock industry. This includes the creation of large-scale ranching schemes, improved animal husbandry, and the integration of the livestock value chain into our national economy.
“Our goal is to transform this critical sector from a source of tension into a bastion of prosperity, creating jobs, ensuring food security, and fostering lasting peace between our farming and herding communities,” he stated.
…Troops rescue kidnap victims
And from Kano, Blueprint reports that seven kidnap victims from Yankamaye Cikin Gari village in Tsanyawa local government area of the state, were rescued by men of the Operation MESA comprising personnel of 3 Brigade Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Air Force and Nigerian Police.
This was made known to newsmen in a statement Sunday by the assistant director, Army Public Relations, 3 Brigade, Captain Babatunde Zubairu, in Kano.
“While on fighting patrol on 29 November 2025, at about 2300 hours, I received a distressed call from Yankamaye Cikin Gari village in Tsanyawa local government area on bandit’s activities. The troops who responded swiftly made contact with the bandits and successfully rescued 7 victims from the bandits who had already killed a 60-year-old woman in the area.
“Upon receiving the information the troops pursued the bandits along their withdrawal route towards Rimaye, engaged them with a high volume of fire, and swiftly rescued the abducted victims. However, 4 of the kidnapped victims are still unaccounted for,” the statement said.
…In Chibok too
Similarly, Premium Times reports that the 28 Task Force Brigade also foiled a planned midnight attack on Chibok communities in Borno state.
In a statement on its X handle, the Army said the terrorists, numbering about 300, launched the attack from multiple fronts.
The attack, which began around 2:50 a.m. Saturday, was decisively foiled “through swift intelligence, tactical manoeuvre and superior firepower” by the troops.
“The troops, who were on alert, detected early enemy movement, enabling them to quickly assume battle positions and engage the terrorists from multiple fronts,” the army stated, adding that the “fierce firefight” lasted for more than two hours.
The army said its troops “held their ground firmly” during the battle and prevented the terrorists from breaching the security of the adjoining towns.”
Upon realising dawn was approaching, the terrorists “started a disorderly withdrawal towards the Azir axis into the Sambisa Forest, attempting to cross the Main Supply Route Damboa–Biu.”
To disrupt the fleeing terrorists’ plan, the army said troops of 25 Brigade were tasked to occupy pre-designated ambush positions ahead of Azir Bridge to cut off and neutralise the terrorists.
The 25 Brigade, according to the Army, was guided by a Nigerian Army Unmanned Aerial Vehicle.
“The Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI deployed a Super Tucano aircraft, and as the advancing interdiction forces closed in, the terrorists dispersed,” it added. “Troops subsequently disrupted their withdrawal.”
No personnel or equipment were lost during the battle, a situation the army says underscores the high level of combat readiness, professionalism and resilience displayed by the forces involved.
…Monarch, others kidnapped in Kwara, Kogi
However, in Kwara state, gunmen reportedly kidnapped a traditional ruler, the Ojibara of Bayagan, Alhaji Kamilu Salami, in Ifelodun local government area of the state.
The kidnappers had reached out to his family for a N150 million ransom to secure his release.
Unconfirmed reports said the monarch was kidnapped Saturday in his farm around 9:30am.
Some of his associates confirmed the abduction, saying the alarm was raised when fellow farmers in the area could not locate Salami but found his motorcycle abandoned on the farm premises.
This prompted a search among the villagers, as a source from the community disclosed that a farmer from a neighbouring village witnessed the abduction of the monarch.
And just barely 24 hours after the abduction of the traditional ruler, gunmen, again, invaded another farmland in Eruku, Ekiti local government area abducting another farmer.
Identified as Annas Aasanru, a native of Eruku, the victim, Blueprint gathered, was working on his farm along the road leading to Koro, a neighbouring town, when the abductors stormed the farm and whisked him away into the bush.
The Eruku abduction came barely a week after the release of 38 victims who were earlier kidnapped in a church in the community.
The Kwara State Police Command’s spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, confirmed the development in Ilorin.
She said: “Police operatives from Eruku Division, received a complaint at about 1400hours on Sunday that four armed men invaded a farm along Koro road, Eruku at about 1230hours and abducted one Mr Aasanru (m) aged 40.
“Upon receipt of the report, a joint team of police, military personnel and local vigilante members was immediately deployed to the area for an intensive search and rescue operation,” the spokesperson added.
The police command assured the public that all necessary efforts are underway to secure the return of the abducted victim.
…Also in Kogi
Also, Kogi state government has vowed to apprehend bandits who attacked the Cherubim and Seraphim Church, Ejiba, Yagba West local government area of the state.
The pastor of the church, his wife and yet-to-be ascertained church members were abducted Sunday during service.
The locals said the attack forced worshippers to run for safety as gunshots echoed through the area and the pastor of the church, popularly known as Orlando, was taken away along with his wife and several others.
Assuring of their rescue, Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo, said: “The authorities of Yagba West local government council are working hard with security agencies to ensure those kidnapped are rescued alive. The perpetrators, too, already know that Kogi will do everything possible to secure every one of its citizens abducted.
”The governor of the state, Ahmed Usman Ododo, is coordinating activities, and we will keep the press updated on the operations. We urge the citizens to be security-conscious and also report suspicious movement and faces to security agencies. When you see something, say something.
…Bride, guests kidnapped in Sokoto
From Sokoto, one of our correspondents reports that daredevil gunmen, in the early hours of Sunday, invaded Chacho village of Wurno local government area of the state, abducting the bride and her 9 bridesmaids.
According to one Malam Anas, a resident of the village, the attackers, armed with sophisticated weapons, came in a commando-like style and carried out their heinous act leaving everybody in shock.
The source further added that nobody was killed because the residents had on sighting the bandits, started running for their lives.
“It was supposed to to be the happiest day of her life but the bandits interrupted her most happiest night which supposed to be once in a lifetime,” Anas stated
“Her friends and family had gathered to celebrate the union, but their joy was short-lived.
“In the dead of night, armed bandits stormed the village, firing sporadically and abducting the bride, her bridesmaids, and several well-wishers.
“The attackers struck just as members of the household were retiring for the night, leaving the community in disgust and fear,” he said.
The state police command was yet to speak on the development as at the time of going to the press.
