In a bold and decisive move, President Bola Tinubu has given the military marching orders to eliminate banditry and insecurity across Nigeria by the end of 2025. This critical directive was unveiled by the Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, in a video statement that has since gone viral, emphasizing the urgency of the task ahead.

Minister Badaru assured the public that the military is already intensifying efforts to combat banditry and other criminal activities. He confirmed that the bandits, who have long terrorized various parts of the country, are now on the run due to the sustained military onslaught. He further emphasized that the military will not relent in its mission until all criminal elements are completely flushed out from Nigerian territories.

“The bandits are now on the run, but the military will not rest until we end this thing,” Badaru stated. “The president has given us marching orders to end insecurity in every part of our country by the end of this year.” He explained that this directive is not just a matter of words but a concrete operational strategy that is already being put into motion, with the Chief of Defence Staff and the National Security Advisor working tirelessly day and night to achieve this goal.

Badaru highlighted that significant progress is being made in various security theatres, where military operations are being ramped up. He pointed to the lifting of mining activities in Zamfara as one of the measures being taken to curb banditry in resource-rich areas, which have historically been a hotbed for criminal activities. The move to shut down mining operations aims to reduce the flow of illegal funds to bandits, thus curtailing their ability to continue their operations.

The minister’s statement also made clear that the military is working on addressing security concerns in all regions, ensuring that every affected area receives focused attention. This includes identifying areas where bandits have entrenched themselves and taking proactive steps to neutralize their strongholds.

President Tinubu’s directive signals a strong commitment to addressing the escalating issue of insecurity that has plagued various regions of Nigeria. His administration’s focus on bringing an end to criminal activities by 2025 is both ambitious and necessary, given the persistent threats that have undermined the safety and wellbeing of Nigerians.

The military’s response to this challenge will undoubtedly be pivotal in shaping the future of national security, and the government is leaving no stone unturned in its quest to restore peace and stability. As the military continues its offensive against bandits, Nigerians are hopeful that these bold measures will yield tangible results, putting an end to the reign of terror that has gripped many communities across the nation.

With the military’s heightened focus and the backing of the government, the next few months could be crucial in determining whether the goal of ending banditry and insecurity by 2025 is achievable. The coming months will see intensified military operations across critical regions, and the government’s resolve will be tested in its ability to tackle one of the country’s most pressing security challenges.