By Hauwa Gwandu

President Bola Tinubu has vowed that terrorism will neither cow nor defeat Nigeria, assuring citizens that his administration will do everything necessary to protect lives and communities.

The President also directed the Armed Forces, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS) and other security and intelligence agencies to launch a coordinated operation to rescue victims of the recent mass abduction in Niger State.

Tinubu’s directive followed last Friday’s attacks on several communities in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, where terrorists reportedly killed and abducted innocent residents.

In a statement by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the President expressed outrage over the attacks and ordered the service chiefs to provide him with regular updates on efforts to rescue those abducted until all victims are accounted for.

“Terror will not cow Nigeria. We will defend our people, protect our communities, and uphold the sanctity of human life,” Tinubu said.

He described the perpetrators as “enemies of peace and enemies of humanity” who would not escape justice, while extending condolences to families of those killed in the attacks.

“You are not alone. The entire nation shares your anguish. We will not rest until your sons, daughters, mothers and fathers are brought back safely to you,” the President told the people of Niger State.

Tinubu also assured the state government of the Federal Government’s support, saying all necessary assistance would be provided for recovery, relief and security reinforcement.

Terrorist Surrenders Surge in North-East

Meanwhile, the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), has reported a sharp increase in terrorist surrenders, describing the development as a significant sign of growing pressure within terrorist camps.

Acting Military Information Officer of the task force, Captain Mohammed Goni, said the number of terrorist commanders, fighters and affiliates surrendering increased from more than 50 in the previous week to over 150 in the current week.

According to him, the surge reflects the cumulative impact of sustained intelligence-led operations, intensified military pressure and coordinated kinetic and non-kinetic measures aimed at weakening terrorist networks and encouraging voluntary disengagement.

Goni said the development indicated increasing pressure on terrorist formations, particularly their freedom of movement, logistics, supplies and ability to retain personnel in their enclaves.

He added that the recovery of weapons and ammunition from some of the surrendering elements further demonstrated the impact of military operations against the groups.

“The surge in surrenders also demonstrates the growing effectiveness of Operation Hadin Kai’s comprehensive counter-insurgency approach,” Goni said.

He explained that the strategy combines intelligence-led operations with strategic communication, civil-military engagement and other non-kinetic measures to disrupt terrorist activities and support networks.

Goni said all persons who surrender are profiled and documented and handled in accordance with established procedures and applicable laws.

He added that the military would sustain the momentum to encourage further defections and weaken terrorist recruitment and support structures across the North-East.

Alia Rejects Land for Ranching Without Consent

In Benue State, Governor Hyacinth Alia has vowed that his administration will not cede any portion of the state’s land to pastoralists for ranching without the consent of the people.

Alia made the declaration in Katsina-Ala during the commencement of a tour of the state’s 11 federal constituencies.

The governor was responding to the Federal Government’s proposed National Ranching Policy, which requires states to provide land for ranches equipped with facilities such as schools and hospitals.

“Nobody will force us to cede even an inch of our land to pastoralists for any purpose,” Alia said.

He insisted that no ranch would be established in Benue against the wishes of the people.

Amid renewed security concerns, the governor also announced plans to deploy three military units to the Sankera axis, covering Katsina-Ala, Ukum and Logo local government areas.

The units are expected to be stationed in Agu, Katsina-Ala; Anyiin, Logo; and Azendeshi, Ukum.

Alia further announced the donation of 30 motorcycles to security agencies to improve patrols and rapid-response operations across the area.

On infrastructure, the governor disclosed plans to construct a new dam with a projected capacity of 460 megawatts, which he said would boost water supply and electricity generation in the state.

The tour also provided an opportunity for the governor to thank members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for supporting his emergence as the party’s governorship candidate for the 2027 election and to hold town hall meetings with stakeholders across the state.