The Federal Government has declared that it is now total war on bandits, terrorists and criminal elements behind the escalation of insecurity in parts of the country.
It added that the declaration of security emergency by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given the military the marching order to take the war to the terrorists and bandits in a major push to end the insecurity in the country.
Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris said this in Lokoja, Kogi State capital.
He spoke at the 10th memorial anniversary for former Kogi State Governor, Prince Abubakar Audu.
The minister quoted the President as vowing to hunt down the enemies of the country, reform the national security architecture and restore peace.
Idris, who represented the President at the event, said: “Prince Audu understood that democracy is only as strong as the prosperity and security of its people. He was a builder.”
He added: “The recent Declaration of a State of Emergency on national security underscores the gravity with which we view this challenge. This is not a mere proclamation; it is a declaration of war against all forms of insecurity. As part of this, we have immediately begun the process of expanding the capacity of our armed forces and security agencies in numbers, in advanced weaponry, and in intelligence capabilities.
“We will hunt the enemies of our state wherever they may be and restore the peace that is the rightful inheritance of every Nigerian.”
The President insisted that reform of the security architecture would start with the setting up of state police.
He said: “To secure our people permanently, we must reform the architecture of our security. This is why my administration is courageously championing the establishment of State Police.
“We believe that a more localised, community-sensitive security structure is vital to complement the valiant efforts of our national forces. It will also boost employment.
“This is a bold, necessary constitutional step, one that requires our collective will, and we are committed to seeing it through.
“We are actively presenting the true picture of Nigeria to the world, a nation where people of different faiths live, work, and pray side-by-side in peace. We will not relent until the world sees us for who we truly are.”
