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Again, Buhari Threatens To Tackle Banditry, Terrorism
President Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, reiterated the commitment of his administration to tackle terrorists and bandits who have been putting their knees on the necks of Nigerians.
Buhari gave the assurance at the Citizens Summit for National Integration, Peace and Security convened by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations and Partners, with the theme,”Reopen Conversation, Rebuild Trust,” held in Abuja.
Represented by the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Buhari assured Nigerians that just like his administration had put the seemingly-intractable farmers-herders crisis under control, it would also successfully tackle the terrorists and bandits.
“As our security agencies put them on the run, they will no longer be able to carry out their deadly attacks as well as kidnappings.
“Peace and security will return to our country, and our unity will be strengthened.
“We have directed the military to crush those terrorising our citizens; peace and security are gradually being restored to the country.
“In the past couple of days, you must have heard about the number of terrorists neutralized by the military, and number of hostages freed,”Buhari said.
The president said that these efforts will not stop, or reduce, adding “We must take the fight to the terrorists and demonstrate that there is no hiding place for them within the borders of our country.
“Each one of them will be hunted, and pursued and spoken to in the language that they understand,” he added.
Buhari, who commended gallant men and women in uniform, appealed to all compatriots to continue to support them in their onerous task of keeping the country safe.
“We must also realize that security is the business of everyone, hence the tagline ‘if you see something, say something.
“Terrorists or bandits are not spirits. They are human beings and they reside in our communities.
“They must all be exposed and crushed for peace to reign,” he said.
He challenged the institute to use its powerful platform to speak out against those fanning the embers of disunity and discord in the country.
“In recent times, in particular, the issues of peace and security have been on the lips of many Nigerians, against the backdrop of rampaging terrorists, bandits and kidnappers.
“This crisis of insecurity has, unfortunately, been exacerbated by the twin evil of fake news and misinformation.
He said that fake news and misinformation are exacerbating insecurity, fuelling apprehension among the citizens and demoralizing the security agencies.
Buhari said: “Let me cite some recent instances of fake news and misinformation in this regard.
“On August 10, the Kaduna State Government had to debunk an online report claiming that hundreds of bandits had laid a siege on the Kaduna-Zaria road.
“The widely circulated message even advised travellers not to enter or leave Zaria due to the presence of bandits at Dumbi and Jaji along the Zaria road.
“Imagine the apprehension and disruption of plans that this fake news could have caused.
“Imagine its impact on the security agencies who are doing everything, including paying the ultimate price, to keep us safe.”
The president also recalled that in April, 2022, a drone video went viral showing a group of five men wearing red clothes and cooking inside an unknown forest.
“Those circulating the video claimed that it was somewhere in Nigeria.
“But when the BBC did a fact-check on the drone video, it discovered that it was not in Nigeria.
“The video was circulated just to create panic among the citizens and put the society on edge,” Buhari added.
Earlier, the FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Bello, commended Buhari’s administration for its strong and unwavering commitment towards resolving most of the socioeconomic and political challenges bedevilling the country.
Bello, therefore, urged the institute, as managers of public perceptions, to push forward in identifying workable solutions to enhancing national integration.
Also, the President of the institute, MalamMukhtarSirajo, said that the task of rebuilding Nigeria is very enormous and demanding.
He expressed the readiness of the institute to join efforts with government and other well-meaning Nigerians individually and cooperate to drive the process to a logical conclusion.
“The institute believes no sacrifice is too much for a nation like Nigeria which God has bestowed with outstanding people and resources.
“It is for this reason that we challenge government organisations and individuals to always place Nigeria first above personal and any other interest,” Sirajo added.
In attendance were the former Minister of Information, Prof Jerry Gana; former governor of Kano State, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau; Hon Ado Doguwa; and others.
President Bola Tinubu yesterday celebrated the Nigerian Exchange Group’s breakthrough into the N100tn market capitalisation threshold, saying Nigeria has moved from an ignored frontier market to a compelling investment destination.
Tinubu, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, urged Nigerians to increase their investments in the domestic economy, expressing confidence that 2026 would deliver stronger returns as ongoing reforms take firmer root.
He noted that the NGX closed 2025 with a 51.19 per cent return, outperforming global indices such as the S&P 500 and FTSE 100, as well as several BRICS+ emerging markets, after recording 37.65 per cent in 2024.
“With the Nigerian Exchange crossing the historic N100tn market capitalisation mark, the country is witnessing the birth of a new economic reality and rejuvenation,” Tinubu said.
He attributed the stellar performance to Nigerian companies proving they can deliver strong investment returns across all sectors, from blue-chip industrials localising supply chains to banks demonstrating technological innovation.
The President added, “Year-to-date returns have significantly outpaced the S&P 500, the FTSE 100, and even many of our emerging-market peers in the BRICS+ group. Nigeria is no longer a frontier market to be ignored—it is now a compelling destination where value is being discovered.”
Tinubu disclosed that more indigenous energy firms, technology companies, telecoms operators and infrastructure firms are preparing to list on the exchange, a move he said would deepen market capitalisation and broaden economic participation.
He also cited what he described as a sustained decline in inflation over eight months—from 34.8 per cent in December 2024 to 14.45 per cent in November 2025—projecting that the rate would fall below 10 per cent before the end of 2026.
“Indeed, inflation is likely to fall below 10 per cent before the end of this year, leading to improved living standards and accelerated GDP growth. The year 2026 promises to be an epochal year for delivering prosperity to all Nigerians,” he said.
The President attributed the trend to monetary tightening, elimination of Ways and Means financing, and agricultural investments, which he said helped stabilise the naira and ease post-reform pressures.
Nigeria’s current account surplus reached $16bn in 2024, with the Central Bank projecting $18.81bn in 2026, reflecting a trade pattern shift toward exporting more and importing less locally-producible goods.
Non-oil exports jumped 48 per cent to N9.2tn by the third quarter of 2025, with African exports nearly doubling to N4.9tn. Manufacturing exports grew 67 per cent year-on-year in the second quarter.
Foreign reserves have crossed $45bn and are expected to breach $50 billion in the first quarter, giving the CBN ammunition to maintain currency stability and end the volatility that previously fuelled speculation, according to the President.
Tinubu also highlighted infrastructure expansion in rail networks, arterial roads, port revitalisation, and the Lagos-Calabar and Sokoto-Badagry superhighways, alongside improvements in healthcare facilities that are reducing medical tourism costs, and increased university research grants funded through the Nigeria Education Loan Fund.
“Our medicare facilities are improving, and medical tourism costs are declining. Our students benefit from the Nigeria Education Loan Fund, and universities are receiving increased research grants,” he said.
He described nation-building as a process requiring hard work, sacrifices, and citizen focus, pledging to continue working to build an egalitarian, transparent, and high-growth economy catalysed by historic tax and fiscal reforms that came into full implementation from January 1.
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RSG Kicks Off Armed Forces Remembrance Day ‘Morrow …Restates Commitment Towards Veterans’ Welfare
The Rivers State Government has reiterated its commitment towards the welfare of veterans, serving officers and widows of fallen officers in the State.
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?The Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, in a statement by ?Head, Information and Public Relations Unit, SSG’s ?Office, ?Juliana Masi, stated this during the Central Planning meeting of the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
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?Anabraba thanked the Committee for their contributions to the success of the Emblem Appeal Fund Ceremony recently held in the State and called on them to double their efforts so that the State can record resounding success in the remaining activities.
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?According to him, the remembrance day events will begin with Jumaàt Prayers on Friday, 9th January at the Rivers State Central Mosque, Port Harcourt Township, while a Humanitarian Outreach/Family and Community Day will be hosted on Saturday, 10th January, by the wife of the governor, Lady Valerie Siminalayi Fubara, for widows and veterans.
?”On Sunday, 11th January, an Interdenominational Church Thanksgiving Service will hold at St. Cyprian Anglican Church, Port Harcourt Township while the Grand-finale Wreath- Laying Ceremony will hold on Thursday, 15th January at the Isaac Boro Park Cenotaph, Port Harcourt”, he said.
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?The SSG noted that one of the highlights of the events is the laying of wreaths by Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Heads of the Security Agencies.
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The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has approved a minor cabinet reshuffle in the State Executive Council.
Under the new disposition, Barrister Christopher Green, who until now served as Commissioner for Sports, has been redeployed to the Ministry of Justice as the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.
This is contained in an official statement signed by Dr. Honour Sirawoo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications.
According to the statement, Barrister Green will also continue to coordinate the activities of the Ministry of Sports pending the appointment of a substantive Commissioner to oversee the ministry.
The redeployment, which takes immediate effect, was approved at the last State Executive Council meeting for the year 2025, underscoring the Governor’s commitment to strengthening governance, ensuring continuity in service delivery, and optimising the performance of key ministries within the state.