President Bola Tinubu’s unannounced visit to frontline troops in Katsina State underscores his administration’s unwavering commitment to national security and the welfare of the armed forces. Against a backdrop of escalating raids and bomb attacks across Borno, Plateau, Benue and Enugu states, Tinubu delivered a defiant message: Nigeria “will not bow” to domestic collaborators or foreign saboteurs seeking to destabilise the nation.
He pledged advanced equipment, superior intelligence, robust logistics and priority welfare measures—including timely allowances, healthcare, housing schemes and insurance coverage—to ensure the military’s dominance over every adversary.
Describing the armed forces as “silent guardians of our democracy”, Tinubu lauded their courage, sacrifice and patriotism, calling this a defining moment in Nigeria’s history and urging troops to reclaim every inch of territory from terrorists and bandits.
Insecurity: A Nation Under Siege
Escalating Threats
Over recent weeks, communities in the North‐East and Middle Belt have suffered a surge of raids and bomb attacks, leaving fear and destruction in their wake.
Borno State has witnessed renewed assaults by ISWAP factions deploying improvised explosive devices, while Plateau and Benue grapple with ethno‐sectarian violence and kidnappings for ransom.
Enugu State too has seen violent raids on rural villages, signalling that insecurity now transcends traditional fault lines across the nation.
Domestic and Foreign Saboteurs
Tinubu’s remarks singled out both local collaborators and foreign agents as co-conspirators in the destabilisation campaign.
“To those who seek to destabilise our nation, be they domestic collaborators or foreign agents—hear this: Nigeria will not bow. Not to fear. Not to terror. Not to treachery,” he thundered, framing the insurgency as a hybrid threat demanding an equally multifaceted response.
Tinubu’s Resolute Stand
Frontline Visit in Katsina
In a surprise two‐day tour, President Tinubu arrived unannounced at Operation FANSAR YANMA positions in Katsina State, personally assessing conditions and morale among soldiers.
His presence served as a potent symbol of solidarity—“I stand before you today not just as your President and Commander-in-Chief, but as a fellow patriot,” he declared, emphasising that leadership extends beyond office through personal engagement with troops.
Defiance and Determination
By exhorting troops with questions—“Are you ready? Are you committed to ending this insecurity once and for all?”—Tinubu injected fresh urgency into the campaign, a call to arms that resonates through every valley and forest where terror once held sway.
He insisted that Nigeria’s time is now: “Let the enemies of Nigeria know—their time is up,” he proclaimed, signalling an unyielding posture towards insurgents and bandits alike.
Empowering Our Forces
Advanced Equipment and Intelligence
Acknowledging that modern warfare demands technological superiority, Tinubu pledged to equip the military with state-of-the-art weaponry, cutting-edge surveillance systems and enhanced intelligence capabilities.
“We are taking bold steps to equip you with advanced equipment, superior intelligence, and robust logistical support not only to defend this nation but to dominate and defeat every adversary,” he affirmed.
Prioritised Welfare
In a departure from past neglect, the President elevated troops’ welfare to the highest priority. He announced immediate roll-out of housing schemes, streamlined allowances, comprehensive healthcare, family support systems and insurance coverage, ensuring that every soldier’s dignity is upheld.
“It is not just about weapons. Your welfare is my top priority,” he declared, promising that no soldier will fight on an empty stomach or in substandard accommodation.
A Defining Moment for Democracy
Silent Guardians of Our Sovereignty
Tinubu lauded the military as the “silent guardians of our democracy”, lauding their self-sacrifice: leaving families, comforts and civilian life to don the uniform of honour and duty.
He called their patriotism “the highest form of service”, urging the nation to recognise that every neutralised terrorist and secured community represents a triumph for justice and the future of Nigeria’s children.
Collective Resolve
Framing the conflict as a national cause, the President emphasised that victory hinges not only on arms, but on collective will: “The war on terrorism will not be won by weapons alone, but by the will to stand, resist, fight, and triumph,” he asserted.
He pledged personal commitment: “As your President, I will match your courage with action, investment, and unwavering support,” cementing the bond between leadership and frontline troops.
Conclusion
As Nigeria confronts its most daunting security challenges in decades, President Tinubu’s front-line rallying cry encapsulates a decisive shift towards proactive, welfare-centred military engagement.
By refusing to bow to fear, terror or treachery and by prioritising the empowerment of those who defend the nation, the administration seeks not merely to contain insecurity but to end it—reclaiming every inch of territory and restoring hope to millions.
In this critical hour, the resolve of Nigeria’s armed forces, bolstered by political will and popular backing, will determine whether democracy and sovereignty endure.
