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Nigeria's Tinubu Reaffirms Commitment to Fight Terrorism

15:49, 8 July 2023

Gleb Chugunov

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According to a report produced by international think-tank, the Institute of Economics and Peace (IEP) earlier this year, Nigeria has ranked eighth in the list of the world's top-10 most terrorism-affected countries over the past decade.

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Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the president of Nigeria, has once again underlined his commitment to overcoming the threats presented by terrorists. He also promised to protect the lives and property of all Nigerians.

"My administration will continue to do everything within the constitution and its power to ensure the safety of citizens, as well as the unity of the country. As for the members of the Nigerian Army and the entire armed forces, I assure you of untainted commitment to your welfare," Tinubu said.

The president delivered the assurance at the Sports Arena of the 2 Division of the Nigerian Army Headquarters in the city of Ibadan during grand finale of the 2023 Nigerian Army Day celebrations.

Nigeria's Vice-President Kashim Shettima delivered the president's message, which included assurances for improved financing, equipment, and broad welfare programs to boost the military's professional effectiveness.

In the speech, the president also emphasized the importance of military-civilian interactions and the need for Army soldiers to follow global best practices in their operations.

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He also expressed his thanks to both retired and serving personnel in the Nigerian army.

"At this juncture, I wish to congratulate all serving and retired Army personnel on the celebration of the 160th anniversary of the Nigerian Army. We appreciate the service and sacrifices of our heroes past and those still alive, without whose efforts the nation would have been in jeopardy," he noted.

According to Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of the Army Staff, the Nigerian army is carrying out its constitutionally mandated duties and has continued to contribute to both domestic and international security through internal security measures and peacekeeping missions.

"The Nigerian Army is indeed one of the potent tools of nation-building," the official said. "It is on this note that I proudly state that this celebration remains a very important platform for us all to remember the invaluable sacrifices that our personnel have continued to keep Nigeria a united, indivisible and prosperous nation."

Earlier this year, the then-president of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, launched an Office of National Security Adviser (ONSA) and National Counter-terrorism Centre (NCTC) in the country's capital Abuja, to boost efforts in combating terrorism and tackling national security concerns.