By Comfort Asemota
President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s determination to defeat terrorism and banditry, assuring Nigerians that security forces are intensifying efforts to restore peace and stability across the country.
The President made the remarks on Wednesday night at the Presidential Villa in Abuja while receiving leaders of the Ogbia community of Bayelsa State. He said his government remains committed to confronting violent groups nationwide while also accelerating development initiatives in the Niger Delta region.
Tinubu acknowledged the persistent security challenges facing parts of the North-West, North-East, and North-Central, where communities continue to experience insurgency, banditry, kidnappings, and attacks on rural settlements. He stressed, however, that the government is making progress through sustained security operations.
According to the President, troops are intensifying operations against criminal elements, leading to arrests, prosecutions, and the neutralisation of terrorists and bandits.
“Our security challenges are many, but we are not relenting. The armed forces are fighting very hard to bring peace and stability to the country, and I can assure you that we will prevail,” Tinubu said.
Beyond security, the President assured the Bayelsa delegation that his administration would continue to prioritise development in the Niger Delta, particularly in oil-producing communities that have suffered years of neglect.
He praised the leadership of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) under its Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, noting that recent interventions were already improving living conditions in host communities.
Tinubu said his government was determined to pursue progress through sustained engagement with Niger Delta communities, adding that infrastructure and social development projects would not be abandoned.
The President cited initiatives such as solar-powered street lighting, which he said had helped extend economic activities and improve security in communities that previously shut down early due to inadequate infrastructure.
He also commended former President Goodluck Jonathan, an indigene of Ogbia, describing him as a respected leader and pledging continued recognition of his contributions to the nation.
Responding to requests from the delegation, Tinubu promised to address ecological challenges, including erosion, and said his administration would examine proposed infrastructure projects such as a bridge he described as critical to economic growth and regional development.
The President further called for collaboration with the National Assembly, stressing that legislative support was essential for accelerating development projects and sustaining economic recovery.
On the economy, Tinubu said Nigeria had moved past a difficult period, adding that the focus was now on ensuring that improvements in macroeconomic indicators translate into tangible benefits for ordinary citizens.
“When we took over, the economy was in a very difficult situation. Today, we are out of that tunnel, and the task before us is to ensure that people at the bottom of the ladder feel the impact,” he said.
Meanwhile, leaders of the Ogbia community pledged political support for Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections, praising his appointment of Dr Ogbuku as Managing Director of the NDDC and citing visible development gains in the region.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Robert Enogha said the visit was primarily to express gratitude and reaffirm support for the President’s leadership, while also extending an invitation for Tinubu to visit the community.
