Tinubu Says Insecurity in Northern Nigeria Will Soon Be Overcome

President Bola Tinubu has expressed confidence that Nigeria will soon overcome the security challenges confronting the country, particularly in the North, saying his administration has intensified efforts to dismantle criminal networks and restore peace.

The president made the remarks on Saturday at the Third General Hassan Usman Katsina Memorial Lecture held at Arewa House in Kaduna. The event, themed “From Sacrifice to Strategy: Rekindling Gen. Hassan Usman Katsina’s Vision for a Prosperous Northern Nigeria,” brought together political leaders, academics and traditional rulers to reflect on the region’s development.

Represented by his Special Adviser on Political and Other Matters, Ibrahim Masari, Tinubu said his administration remained committed to safeguarding lives and preserving the legacy of national heroes such as the late General Hassan Usman Katsina.

“While we continue to work day and night to secure our nation, by the grace of Allah, the challenges of insecurity confronting us, particularly in Northern Nigeria, will soon be behind us,” the president said.

He described the late former military governor of the defunct Northern Region and former Chief of Army Staff as a symbol of humility, discipline, patriotism and selfless service, noting that his commitment to national unity helped strengthen Nigeria during critical periods in its history.

Tinubu also highlighted ongoing government initiatives aimed at improving education, transportation, infrastructure and energy across Northern Nigeria and the rest of the country.

Northern Elders Forum raises concerns

Speaking at the event, Chairman of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), Prof. Ango Abdullahi, attributed the region’s growing insecurity, poverty and underdevelopment to what he described as a decline in the values that once defined Northern Nigeria.

According to the former Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, the North has drifted away from the principles of integrity, sacrifice and selfless leadership upheld by its founding leaders.

“The North has lost its values. If we had retained the values we inherited from our parents and pioneer leaders, the North would not be where it is today,” Abdullahi said.

He urged Northerners to embrace the ideals exemplified by General Katsina, arguing that a return to accountable and principled leadership was essential to reversing the region’s decline.

Political economist Dr. Usman Bugaje also warned that decades of insecurity, economic decline and institutional decay had weakened Northern Nigeria, affecting agriculture, education, healthcare and overall development.

Bugaje criticised sections of the region’s elite for lamenting the North’s challenges without offering practical solutions, calling for visionary leadership capable of addressing the region’s deep-rooted problems.

Sultan calls for repentance

Meanwhile, the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, called for divine intervention to bring about the repentance of those responsible for violence and criminality across the country.

The monarch made the appeal while receiving First Lady Oluremi Tinubu at his palace in Sokoto, urging leaders to continue praying for lasting peace and security.

He also commended the First Lady’s interventions through the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), saying the programme has positively impacted millions of Nigerians.

In her remarks, the First Lady thanked the Sultan for his continued support and guidance to the Tinubu administration, describing him as a respected national leader whose counsel has remained invaluable.