In the recent of violent attacks across several states, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered Nigeria’s security forces to the highest level of red alert in the country’s recent history—a move aimed at tackling the resurgent threats of terrorism, banditry, and mass abductions.
Addressing the nation through the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, on Wednesday, President Tinubu announced a comprehensive mobilization of military and police assets, specifically directing security agencies to “actively pursue and eliminate terrorists, bandits, and criminal elements wherever they may be in Nigeria.” The new security directive comes in response to coordinated assaults in Borno, Kebbi, and Kwara states, which saw dozens killed, property destroyed, and at least 24 schoolgirls abducted in Kebbi.
“Our security forces have also been mandated to swiftly rescue the abducted Kebbi schoolgirls and reunite them with their families,” Minister Idris stated, underscoring the urgency of the operation. He described the abduction, the killing of Army Brigadier-General Uba, and the recent attack on a church in Eruku, Kwara State, as “painful reminders of the threats confronting the nation.”
These developments prompted President Tinubu to postpone international engagements, including summits in South Africa and Angola, to focus squarely on the domestic security crisis. As part of the government’s immediate response, additional troops and police have been deployed to Eruku and the entire Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara, with the aim of reinforcing security and ensuring rapid response capabilities.
The minister reassured Nigerians that “the rescue of the abducted schoolgirls remains an urgent national priority.” He further stressed that the Federal Government “categorically refutes any sectarian interpretation” of the country’s security challenges, emphasizing that criminals will be pursued and prosecuted regardless of their motives or identities.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, provided additional context, noting that the Tinubu administration’s approach marks a decisive shift from past inertia, promising that “Nigeria will scale up nationwide operations, tighten intelligence-sharing with global allies, intensify efforts to dismantle illegal mining and trafficking networks, and strengthen rural security and border governance.” Akume also highlighted that previous labeling of Nigeria’s security threats by foreign governments can often embolden extremists and that what the country now requires is “collaboration through intelligence, technology and equipment, not public labels that distort the country’s security realities.”
Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State expressed appreciation for President Tinubu’s intervention and leadership, urging the public to remain calm as security agencies redouble efforts to bring the abducted students safely home and restore order where attacks have occurred.
As the nation faces these security challenges, the presidency and military leadership affirm their resolve not to rest until peace and stability are restored—sending the clear signal that Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and violent crime has entered a new, more aggressive phase.
