President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a resounding call for international solidarity as Nigeria intensifies its battle against terrorism and violent crime, urging global partners to support the nation’s reform efforts rather than threaten intervention or propagate divisive narratives. In a series of statements released on Friday, November 7, 2025, Tinubu emphasized that his administration would deploy every available resource to eradicate terrorism and restore safety and dignity to Nigerian citizens, a challenge the country has faced for nearly two decades.
“We will spare no effort and leave no stone unturned in our mission to eliminate criminals from our society. We urge our allies to stand firmly with us as we amplify our fight against terrorism. We have made significant progress in the past two years, and we will decisively eliminate this threat,” Tinubu wrote on his verified X handle, @officialABAT, according to The Guardian Nigeria.
The President’s remarks come at a crucial juncture for Nigeria, which has long grappled with insurgency and banditry, particularly in its northern regions. Tinubu asserted that the security of lives and property remains a non-negotiable pillar of his Renewed Hope Agenda, and he reaffirmed his government’s unwavering commitment to overcoming threats that have battered the nation since the mid-2000s. “We are indeed faced with terrorism, a challenge Nigeria has faced for almost two decades, and we will not back down. We will decisively defeat terrorism and claim victory in this battle. Security is non-negotiable, and we will never compromise on this principle. With unwavering courage and a steadfast commitment to the rule of law, we will prevail,” he declared.
Backing up these words with concrete figures, the Tinubu Media Force (TMF) revealed that, over the last two years, the Nigerian Armed Forces have neutralized over 6,260 terrorists, arrested more than 14,000 suspects, and rescued upwards of 5,300 kidnapped victims. These statistics, reported by Punch, reflect the administration’s intensified security operations, particularly in the North West, North Central, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)—areas that have historically been hotspots for violent attacks and abductions.
“Official data show that in the last two years, the Nigerian Armed Forces have neutralised over 6,260 terrorists, arrested more than 14,000 suspects, and rescued over 5,300 kidnapped victims,” stated Gbenga Abiola, National Coordinator of the TMF. “The Federal Government has also increased the national defence budget from ₦1.25 trillion in 2023 to ₦4.91 trillion in 2025, marking one of the largest investments in Nigeria’s security sector in recent history.”
In a bid to strengthen policing and intelligence gathering, the government has tripled the annual police recruitment quota from 10,000 to 30,000 officers, according to Abiola. Structural reforms and a complete reorganisation of the security architecture have begun to yield visible results, with a clear downward trend in coordinated attacks and banditry for the first time in decades.
International cooperation has been a key theme in the Tinubu administration’s approach to security. The President described Nigeria as a dependable partner in the global pursuit of peace and stability, welcoming collaboration from allies, friends, and partners. “Nigeria will be, and remain, a reliable partner and dependable ally to its friends and a steady voice for stability. We welcome the collaboration and support of our allies, friends, and partners as we strengthen both security and economic growth,” Tinubu stated.
China, in particular, has emerged as a strong supporter of Nigeria’s fight against terrorism. On Thursday, November 6, 2025, Yu Dunhai, the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, reiterated his country’s commitment to assisting Nigeria’s security efforts after meeting with Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu. “As a comprehensive strategic partner of Nigeria, China firmly supports the Nigerian government in leading its people to a development path that fits Nigeria’s national realities,” Dunhai posted on his official X account, as reported by Daily Trust.
Dunhai also sent a clear message against foreign interference, stating, “We oppose any country’s interference in other countries’ internal affairs under the pretext of religion and human rights. We oppose the wanton threat of sanction and use of force.” He emphasized China’s readiness to deepen security collaboration with Nigeria, a partnership that has yielded “fruitful outcomes” since President Tinubu’s 2024 state visit to Beijing and participation in the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.
Meanwhile, the TMF and Nigerian lawmakers have pushed back against external criticism, particularly from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who recently alleged that Christians are being targeted in Nigeria. Gbenga Abiola dismissed these claims as “false, divisive, and unfounded,” stressing that the Nigerian government treats all acts of violence as national crimes without ethnic or religious bias. Lagos State lawmaker Adewale Temitope Adedeji echoed this sentiment, urging international actors—especially the United States—to reconsider their positions and instead support Nigeria’s reform efforts. “President Bola Tinubu, as a father, is not happy that bandits, terrorists or whatever name-tag they have got, have tried to downplay the gains of the administration just as they did with previous administrations. This is one reason the President ordered the recently appointed service chiefs in Nigeria to put a final end to insecurity in the country. The current administration will never pamper terrorists or their sponsors,” Adedeji said in a statement reported by Vanguard.
Adedeji further highlighted the administration’s economic achievements, noting that inflation has dropped for the first time in years, the Nigerian currency is gaining strength, and multi-billion dollar investments have been attracted. For the first time, sub-national governments have gained a greater degree of economic power, reflecting the broader impact of Tinubu’s reforms. “The Tinubu administration continues to open more economic pathways for progress. Different data have shown inflation dropping for the first time in years. More than before, the administration has attracted multi-billion dollar investments while working to reinvigorate moribund industries and maintain its place as the giant of Africa,” he added.
Tinubu’s administration has not only focused on security but also on restoring global confidence in Nigeria’s leadership and economic prospects. The TMF described Nigeria as the “base of Africa,” underscoring its population strength, cultural diversity, and economic significance. “For the first time in a long while, Nigeria is emerging from its weak leadership structures and transforming into a nation full of promise, one that is ready to play its historic role as the largest black nation on earth,” Abiola asserted.
In his address, President Tinubu paid tribute to the sacrifices made by the armed forces and intelligence agencies, calling their courage “our strength in the fight against terror.” He concluded with a message of hope and unity, urging Nigerians to reject despair and remain committed to building a safer, stronger, and more prosperous country. “Nigeria is one united family. We rise together, move forward together, and reject despair in favour of determination. Our future is far more robust and stronger than any fears we may have.”
As Nigeria seeks to consolidate its security gains and economic progress, the message from Abuja is clear: international partners are welcome, but support must come in the form of collaboration and respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty—not threats or interference. The coming months will reveal whether this call for unity and partnership will be heeded on the world stage, as Nigeria presses forward with its ambitious agenda for peace, prosperity, and renewed hope.
