President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, reviewed the country's security situation and declared that he was not satisfied with the current state.
Tinubu declared that he would not relent until insecurity became a thing of the past across the country, stressing that protection of lives and property remains the top priority of his government.
Speaking in Maiduguri at the palace of Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Al-Amin El-Kanemi, the president grieved again over the recent military bombing of civilians in Kaduna State, and said, ''We are not satisfied yet, we are not satisfied until we reach the end of insecurity in Nigeria.''
Tinubu added that security issues would remain a top priority under his watch, and they would not be limited to battlefield concerns.
He stated, ''We will provide better amenities and benefits to our gallant armed forces and their families. We are committed to this and this is factored into the 2024 budget. We will ensure that our administration reflects the grateful heart of the Nigerian people in the way we treat those, who make the ultimate sacrifices on our behalf.''
He also pledged that the federal government would continue to do all within its powers to provide support and care to families of all Nigerians affected by insecurity in parts of Borno State.
''This is my most sacred responsibility and the trajectory of the larger effort shown by the ratio of victory over defeat has been sliding well in our favour since the new administration resumed office,'' he said.
Expressing his condolences one more time to the families of Nigerians, who lost their lives in the Tudun Biri, Kaduna State, tragedy, Tunubu said most of the victims lost their lives while reciting the Shadada as they observed Maulud, a central statement of faith for practising Muslims.
He said about the victims, ''They were Nigerians of profound faith and in the moment of the tragedy, they were reciting the Shadada.
''God Almighty comforts their families as their nation grieves their passage into glory. May their souls rest in eternal peace!''
The president commended the Shehu of Borno for supporting the state and the federal governments in maintaining peace and stability in the region. He promised to enhance the involvement of traditional institutions in the maintenance of peace and stability at the grassroots across the country.
Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum said under the Tinubu leadership, the Office of the National Security Adviser had worked diligently to connect all branches of the country's security architecture by closely coordinating missions and enhancing inter-agency intelligence sharing at all levels.
Zulum acknowledged the steady improvement in collaboration between the security agencies and the Borno State government.
According to him, ''We have seen the close working relationship between our state and the security agencies. The results are speaking for themselves. We remain committed to the achievement of the ''Renewed Hope Agenda'' in the fight against insecurity anywhere it exists in Nigeria.
''We thank you for your leadership, Mr. President. We will continue to give all required support to the Nigerian Armed Forces.''
The Shehu of Borno urged the president to deliver his infrastructural interventions to areas that had been hard hit by insurgency over the years.
He stated, ''We seek the revival of the Lake Chad Commission to provide succour to the large communities in the Lake Chad's surrounding areas. We seek power projects and job creation initiatives for our unemployed youths.
''Governor Zulum has been performing beyond what is humanly possible but his resources are limited. Please, assist him.''
In a related development, Tinubu, while declaring open the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference 2023 in Maiduguri, reiterated that he would continue to work diligently to provide the military the necessary support to keep troublers of the nation at bay.
The president said he would not relent in his effort to secure Nigeria, emphasising that he will win the battle to keep the country safe.
Tinubu acknowledged the Nigerian Army's commitment to national security, and told the army to remain non-partisan but vigilant in upholding democratic principles.
He emphasised the role of the military as guardian of constitutional order during elections.
The president said, ''The professional conduct of the armed forces during the elections in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi states underscores your role as a guardian of our constitutional order and democracy precepts.
''In this regard, the Nigerian Army must remain completely non-partisan but vigilantly pro-democracy.
''We also note with great satisfaction the many civilian-military projects across the country, some of which will be commissioned during this conference.
''These projects not only bring the military and civilian population into closer affinity and mutual understanding, they also serve the practical purpose of tangibly improving the living conditions of the people.''
Citing the recent procurement of new aircraft as a testament of his resolve to upgrade national defence capability, the president affirmed his administration's commitment to advancing the ongoing modernisation process within the military, with a focus on improving mobility, communications, and offensive striking capabilities.
He expressed the country's gratitude for the service and sacrifice of the armed forces, and recalled his earlier approval of N18 billion in Group Life Assurance benefits for families of fallen heroes.
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The president pledged continuous government support for the welfare of serving military personnel and their families.
Earlier, Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, said the president's new approach to empowering the armed forces and enhancing intra-military collaboration had led to substantial increase in morale for the officers and men.
Abubakar declared, ''Mr. President, you are a man of your word. Your Renewed Hope agenda assured Nigerians of progress in the fight against insecurity. The men of the armed forces are more committed than ever before.
''They see the progress they are recording. They know the damage they are inflicting on our enemies. They have high morale. Our enemies do not, because of your leadership.
''Thank you, Mr. President.''
Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, informed the president that ongoing military operations in different parts of the country had significantly weakened criminal elements, while checking farmer-herders crises in various parts of the country.
Lagbaja said, ''Notwithstanding these achievements, we recognise the importance of continuous evaluation and this conference will be instrumental in formulating long-term strategies to bolster our ability to carry out our constitutional responsibility in the year 2024.''
