President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s determination to tackle banditry and terrorism in Northern Nigeria, vowing that no region will be allowed to “bleed in silence” while under his watch.
The President made the declaration during the 25th Anniversary of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) in Kaduna, where he was represented by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajuddeen Abbas.
Tinubu described the security situation in the North as deeply layered and complex, but stressed that his government is committed to restoring peace with both urgency and firmness. He warned that the country cannot achieve meaningful progress if a critical region like the North remains destabilised, adding that regional stability is essential for the overall peace and prosperity of Nigeria.
The President commended the ACF for its 25 years of service, calling it a repository of thinkers, patriots, mediators, and moral voices that have consistently defended the interests of millions. He noted that despite the North facing serious challenges, including corroded security and weakened communal ethics, the region has not failed, stressing that leadership loses relevance when leaders neglect the welfare of the people.
Tinubu expressed optimism about the North’s economic future, highlighting the anticipated rollout of crude oil from the Kolmani fields and other emerging prospects. He also pointed to ongoing infrastructure projects, such as accelerated rail, road, and water transport initiatives, and announced that the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Superhighway is expected to be completed and commissioned in Kano in the coming months.
He further praised the proposed ACF Endowment Fund as a visionary step, focusing on girl-child education, youth skills development, peacebuilding, and conflict resolution. The President urged Northern leaders in politics, traditional institutions, and civil society to recommit to the values on which the ACF was founded, including courage, justice, fairness, and collective responsibility, stressing that unity remains the region’s strongest weapon.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, representing the Senate President, also spoke at the event, expressing confidence that Northern Nigeria can overcome persistent insecurity if leaders and institutions coordinate effectively and leverage available resources. He acknowledged the challenges highlighted in trend analyses but emphasised the region’s history of resilience, noting that federal leaders are ready to work with states and local institutions to address the root causes of insecurity.
