Tinubu assures Troops Nigeria will defeat Terrorism, Sacrifices not in vain

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

President Bola Tinubu on Friday assured members of the Nigerian Armed Forces and citizens that the country would ultimately overcome its security challenges, declaring that the sacrifices of troops battling insecurity across the country would not be in vain.

The president gave the assurance during an interfaith breaking of fast with members of the Armed Forces at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Addressing the officers and men, Tinubu commended their courage, professionalism and dedication in confronting terrorists, bandits and other security threats in various parts of the country.

“I commend your courage, sacrifice and professionalism as you put your lives on the line in defence of Nigeria’s sovereignty and the safety of its citizens,” the president said.

He acknowledged the difficult conditions under which many personnel operate, noting that several troops remain separated from their families while confronting violent attacks.

“I know fully well that many times you are without your families and that you stay away from them. Some of you are facing attacks by bandits and terrorists,” Tinubu stated.

The president said the federal government remained committed to improving the welfare and operational capacity of the military through continued investments in modern equipment, intelligence gathering and logistics support.

According to him, the sustained operations of security forces have significantly weakened terrorist groups and bandits across the country.

“You have been working to serve the country deeply and protect our sovereignty. This nation will always be grateful to you and your sacrifices will not be in vain,” he added.

Tinubu also thanked Nigerians for their patience and resilience amid ongoing economic reforms by his administration.

“I am happy to inform you that your sacrifices and that of fellow citizens are not in vain. We are now out of the dark tunnel,” he said.

The president used the occasion to express sympathy to the government and people of Borno State over a recent terrorist attack in the state.

Earlier, the Chief of Defence Staff, Oluwafemi Oluyode, represented by the Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, commended the president for recent approvals aimed at improving the welfare and operational efficiency of the armed forces.

Shaibu noted that the approvals included an upward review of salaries for members of the armed forces as well as increased allowances for personnel of the Brigade of Guards.

“I want to most sincerely thank our indefatigable President for the various approvals for the upward review of salaries of members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the allowances of the Brigade of Guards,” he said.

He added that the approvals also covered the procurement of modern equipment and the provision of improved accommodation for military personnel.

“These approvals will go a long way in enhancing our operational efficiency, and I assure you they are well received by all members of the armed forces,” he said.

The interfaith breaking of fast brought together Christian and Muslim personnel of the armed forces, reflecting what military authorities described as a shared commitment to national service and unity in defending the country.