Terrorists won’t break Nigeria’s spirit — Sanwo-Olu

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has called on Nigerians to unite behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the country’s security agencies, insisting that the nation will overcome the current wave of insecurity.

In a statement on Sunday, the Lagos State governor said recent security incidents across parts of the country should strengthen national unity rather than deepen political and ethnic divisions.

According to him, the forces behind the attacks do not discriminate based on political affiliation, religion or ethnicity, making it imperative for Nigerians to present a united front against terrorism and criminality.

“This is the time we must stand united as one people behind our nation’s leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and all of our armed forces,” Sanwo-Olu said.

He described every life lost to violence as a tragedy and expressed solidarity with communities affected by insecurity across the country. The governor also urged Nigerians to keep in their prayers the teachers and students recently abducted in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

Sanwo-Olu said Nigeria had faced numerous challenges throughout its history, including economic difficulties, political instability and security threats, but had consistently emerged stronger through resilience and collective action.

He maintained that the current security challenge was not insurmountable, stressing that criminal groups and terrorists do not represent the values or future of the country.

The governor urged citizens to support security agencies through vigilance, cooperation and intelligence sharing, noting that government alone could not win the fight against insecurity without community participation.

“As citizens, we all have a stake in the security and stability of our country. Government alone cannot win this battle without the support, cooperation, vigilance and active intelligence sharing by local communities,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu expressed confidence in Tinubu’s leadership and the ability of the nation’s military, intelligence and security agencies to defeat those responsible for attacks on civilian populations.

He also commended security personnel serving on the frontlines, describing them as brave men and women who continue to risk their lives in defence of the country.

The governor said ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture, improve intelligence gathering and dismantle criminal networks would require patience, determination and national support to achieve lasting results.

Reaffirming his optimism about the country’s future, Sanwo-Olu urged Nigerians, particularly young people, to remain hopeful and resilient despite current challenges.

“This battle shall be won. Nigeria will prevail because the collective strength of our people is greater than the evil agenda of the few who are bent on making us live in fear and despair,” he said.