Senate President Godswill Akpabio says Nigeria’s security agencies are now taking the fight to bandits, insurgents and other criminal groups, expressing confidence that the country can overcome its insecurity challenges.
Akpabio said insecurity continues to pose a serious challenge to economic growth, but noted that security operations have moved beyond simply responding to attacks to directly confronting criminal groups.
He stressed the need for stronger collaboration between communities and security agencies, noting that effective intelligence gathering remains critical to tackling crime.
“The security forces are taking the fight directly to the enclaves of criminals, bandits, and insurgents,” he said. “The strategy has shifted from reaction to proactive confrontation, and I assure Nigerians that insecurity will be defeated.”
The Senate President also linked the security situation to Nigeria’s economic prospects, saying investors and businesses need a stable and secure environment to operate successfully.
“Insecurity is a direct enemy of development,” Akpabio said. “No foreign investor will build in an atmosphere of chaos, and no local business can thrive without safety.”
Akpabio urged Nigerians to work more closely with security agencies by providing reliable information that could assist ongoing operations against criminal networks.
“Security is a collective civic responsibility,” he said.
“Our security personnel are working tirelessly on the frontlines, but they rely on actionable intelligence from the communities they protect.”
He called on citizens to speak up when they notice suspicious activities instead of remaining silent, stressing that timely reports could help security agencies prevent attacks and apprehend criminals.
“If you see something, say something to the proper authorities,” he said.
Turning to the banking sector, Akpabio said recent reforms have helped strengthen Nigeria’s financial system and improve its ability to withstand economic pressures.
He said measures including bank consolidation and recapitalisation were designed to address concerns over the stability of financial institutions and provide greater protection for depositors.
“Today, thanks to the bold vision and strategic foresights of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, our banking sector has transitioned from survival to absolute dominance,” Akpabio said.
He described the country’s banking industry as among the safest, most resilient and technologically advanced in Africa.
According to him, the reforms are also intended to rebuild investor confidence, safeguard customers’ funds and support sustainable economic expansion.
The Senate President acknowledged the difficulties Nigerians are experiencing as a result of ongoing economic reforms, saying the government recognises the sacrifices being made by citizens.
“We acknowledge the sacrifices of the Nigerian people,” he said. “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his cabinet members are not resting on their oars.”
Akpabio said the administration would continue pursuing measures aimed at tackling structural economic problems and creating an environment that supports long-term development.
He further appealed to Nigerians in the country and abroad to contribute to national development while cooperating with government institutions.
“Let us stand united, support our security agencies, and work hand-in-hand with this administration to build the nation of our dreams,” he added
