Eid: Report suspicious movements now, Tinubu charges Nigerians

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

President Bola Tinubu on Friday called on Nigerians to take a more active role in safeguarding the country by promptly reporting suspicious movements, stressing that national security is a collective responsibility.

Speaking with journalists after observing Eid-el-Fitr prayers at Dodan Barracks in Lagos, the President said peace, stability and development cannot be achieved without the vigilance and cooperation of citizens.

“I pray for peace in the country. The stability, peace and security of the nation is not just one man’s responsibility. We are all involved. Report suspicious movements of people across the length and breadth of the country. These are our responsibilities too,” Tinubu stated.

The President’s call comes amid growing security concerns in parts of the country, with authorities increasingly emphasising community-based intelligence as a critical tool in preventing crime and unrest.

Tinubu urged Nigerians to sustain the virtues of patience, tolerance and neighbourliness imbibed during Ramadan and Lent, noting that these values are essential for fostering peaceful coexistence and national unity.

He said acts of charity, kindness and support for the vulnerable must continue beyond the fasting period, describing them as key pillars of a stable society.

According to him, nation-building requires shared commitment, mutual respect and an appreciation of Nigeria’s diversity, adding that religious teachings across faiths point to peace, discipline and love for humanity.

Also speaking, Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, assured that the state would continue to prioritise the well-being and security of residents while supporting federal efforts.

He emphasized that the nation’s strength lies in its diversity and the ability of its people to live harmoniously despite their differences, stressing that peaceful coexistence remains essential for national growth and stability.

“We must learn to love one another sincerely, regardless of our backgrounds. Our diversity should unite us, not divide us,” he said.

In his sermon, the Grand Chief Imam of Lagos State, Sulaiman Oluwatoyin Abou-Nolla, urged Nigerians to embrace calmness and wisdom in the face of global tensions, warning against actions that could trigger instability.

The Eid gathering was attended by top government officials, including National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila.

The President maintained that enduring peace in Nigeria depends not only on government actions but also on the willingness of citizens to remain alert, responsible and united in protecting their communities.