‘Nigeria Will Not Bow to Fear’ — Tinubu Salutes Frontline Troops Battling Terrorists, Bandits

President Bola Tinubu has paid glowing tribute to members of Nigeria’s Armed Forces and security agencies, describing them as the nation’s first line of defence against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes threatening national stability.

In a message shared on his official X account on Monday, the President commended the courage, sacrifice and resilience of security personnel operating across various theatres of conflict and difficult terrains nationwide.

Tinubu said members of the military, police, intelligence services and other security formations continue to stand between innocent Nigerians and criminal elements determined to undermine peace, safety and national unity.

“You stand as a shield between innocent citizens and those who seek to destroy the peace, safety and dignity of our communities,” the President stated.

He noted that security personnel remain deployed in forests, highways, waterways, border communities and other strategic locations, carrying the enormous responsibility of safeguarding millions of Nigerians.

“In the forests, on the roads, at forward operating bases, in the air, creeks, and across difficult terrains, you carry the burden of national protection so that millions of Nigerians can sleep, work, worship, farm, trade and raise their children in hope,” he said.

The President acknowledged that the battle against insecurity has come at a heavy cost, with many security personnel making immense sacrifices in the line of duty.

“This fight has not been easy. It has come with pain, pressure and sacrifice. But your courage has remained firm. Your service is acknowledged. Your sacrifice is honoured. Your country does not take you for granted,” he added.

Tinubu extended his appreciation to personnel of the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), intelligence agencies, local security formations and all stakeholders contributing to national security efforts.

The President also recognised the sacrifices made by families of security personnel, noting that long deployments and dangerous assignments often place emotional burdens on spouses, children and relatives.

“I also acknowledge the families behind the uniform. Many of you have endured long absences, anxious nights and the emotional cost of duty. Nigeria remembers that sacrifice too,” he stated.

Tinubu further honoured officers and personnel who lost their lives while defending the nation, describing them as heroes whose sacrifices would never be forgotten.

The President stressed that the fight against insecurity requires collective national responsibility and urged Nigerians to actively support security agencies through timely intelligence sharing.

“The fight against terror is not only a military operation. It is a national duty. Citizens must support our security forces by providing timely, useful information. When you see something, say something. When you know something, report it,” he said.

Reaffirming his administration’s determination to defeat criminal groups, Tinubu declared that Nigeria would not surrender to fear or allow terrorists, kidnappers, bandits and violent extremists to define the country’s future.

“Nigeria will not surrender to fear. We will not allow terrorists, bandits, kidnappers or violent extremists to define who we are as a people. Their violence is not our identity. Their hatred does not represent Nigerians of any faith, creed or community,” the President declared.

He concluded by thanking frontline security personnel for their unwavering service and prayed for their continued protection as they carry out their duties.

The President’s message comes amid renewed security concerns in several parts of the country, including recent incidents of mass abductions, terrorist attacks, banditry and communal violence that continue to test the nation’s security architecture.