Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has assured Nigerians that the country will overcome its growing security challenges, urging citizens to remain united and support ongoing efforts to defeat criminal elements threatening national peace.
The governor made the remarks amid renewed concerns over rising insecurity across the country and following the successful rescue of Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, the younger sister of former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, who were abducted in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force rescued the victims during a coordinated operation, while the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to securing the release of schoolchildren and teachers recently kidnapped in Oyo State.
Also weighing in on the security situation, former Zamfara State Governor and Senator representing Zamfara West, Abdul-Aziz Yari, called on Nigerians to embrace unity, collective responsibility and hope in the fight against insecurity.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Sanwo-Olu stressed that terrorists and criminal elements do not discriminate based on political, ethnic or religious affiliations, urging Nigerians to stand firmly behind President Bola Tinubu and the nation’s security agencies.
“We are Nigerians. Our will is strong, and our spirit is unbreakable,” the governor declared.
He described every loss of life as a national tragedy and emphasized the need to show solidarity with communities affected by violence and insecurity.
Sanwo-Olu specifically called for prayers and support for the teachers and students abducted from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, expressing confidence that they would be safely reunited with their families.
According to him, Nigeria has weathered numerous challenges throughout its history, including economic hardships, political instability and social tensions, but has consistently emerged stronger through resilience and unity.
“The security challenge confronting our nation today is not insurmountable. The forces seeking to spread fear and instability do not represent the character of our people or the future of our country,” he said.
The governor urged citizens across all regions, ethnic groups and religious backgrounds to reject division and remain committed to peace, national development and collective progress.
He also noted that government efforts alone would not be enough to defeat insecurity, stressing the importance of public cooperation, vigilance and intelligence sharing with security agencies.
Sanwo-Olu expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership and the capacity of Nigeria’s security and intelligence agencies to defeat those responsible for terror attacks and criminal activities across the country.
He maintained that with unity, determination and sustained collaboration, Nigeria would successfully overcome its current security challenges.
