Insecurity: How we’ll recover lost territories from bandits – Tinubu

The Federal Government plans to roll out advanced technology in its bid to reclaim territories, particularly forests, from terrorists and bandits across the country, President Bola Tinubu has said.

A coordinated response by all tiers of government to the menace of the gunmen is evolving, he said during a state dinner hosted in his honour at the Government House in Katsina on Friday night.

According to him, enhanced surveillance and security technologies will be deployed to neutralise threats in rural and forested regions across the country.

He emphasised that the persistent insecurity in parts of the country, particularly the Northwest, was not just a local or regional matter but a national concern that required a united front involving federal, state and local governments.

The President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, quoted him as saying technological solutions would play a key role in dismantling criminal strongholds and restoring confidence among investors.

He described insecurity as one of Nigeria’s most pressing challenges, noting that without addressing it comprehensively, economic growth and foreign investment would remain elusive.

The President explained that banditry and terrorism have created an atmosphere of fear that deters local and international investors.

He had earlier on Friday addressed troops and personnel of the armed forces deployed in the fight against terrorism in Katsina, assuring them of full government’s support in carrying out the assignment.

Katsina is one of the states most affected by rural insecurity which has claimed many lives and forced thousands off their farms and homes.

He particularly took note of comments by a former governor of the state, Alhaji Aminu Bello Masari, on the security situation, and said: “Yes, I agree that security is a challenge for the country.

“I addressed the men and women of the armed forces earlier today and assured them that we will do everything to fight terrorism and banditry.

“We will invest more in technology and take over the forests. Security is a national issue, not just at the local or regional levels. If we genuinely need investment in Nigeria, we must address security.

“Investment is cowardly, and it will not go where there is banditry and terrorism. We will solve the problem together with the states and local councils,” he said.

President Tinubu said encouraging signs of Nigeria’s economic recovery were beginning to manifest.

He credited bold policy decisions taken by his administration for this development.

The President said the federal government would consider upgrading the Katsina airport with a view to creating jobs and expanding the economy.

He also pledged that victims of terrorism would receive support to enable them pick up their lives.

The President thanked Aminu Bello Masari for his role in ensuring that he got the endorsement of the North West and emerged as the APC presidential candidate.

He also thanked the governors who honoured the invitation of the Katsina State Governor Radda for the commissioning of projects and his daughter’s wedding.

The governors were those of Kaduna, Jigawa, Borno, Benue, Yobe, Sokoto, and Kwara states.

President Tinubu acknowledged the leadership roles of Katsina indigenes in the country and described President Muhammadu Buhari as a man of integrity who contributed significantly to Nigeria’s development.

In his remarks, Governor Dikko Radda said the state had established a security outfit that gathers and supplies intelligence.

He said the proposed airport expansion, including the cargo terminal, customer terminal and fire truck, would create 2,700 direct jobs and cost N54 billion.

Former Governor Masari thanked the President for appointing two ministers from the state to the Federal Executive Council.

Masari also thanked the President for appointing Katsina indigenes as special advisers, chairmen of boards and heads of regulatory agencies such as the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).

On why he supported the President’s ambition to contest the 2023 elections, he said:

“You have the political will and courage to face the challenges of this country.

“You know the problem with humans: There will be resistance when new changes and a new social order are coming. And if you are not strong enough and determined, you will succumb, and the problem continues.

“But leadership is not about when it is all well. The hard way is the best. You know leaders during hard times.

“I know and believe you can do it. You have the courage.”

Masari said the insecurity in the North West must be tackled holistically from the bottom up.