Tinubu Issues "Full Mandate to Crush" Enemies of the State
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has re-emphasized his unwavering resolve to tackle Nigeria's pervasive insecurity, issuing a "full mandate to crush" all threats to the nation's peace and unity. The directive came on Sunday, July 6, 2025, during the 2025 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) in Kaduna, where President Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, underscored a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism, banditry, insurgency, and separatist agitations.
Describing these security challenges as "grave existential dangers," President Tinubu stressed that their destructive impact knows no bounds. He firmly linked the defense of Nigeria's democracy and economic stability to robust national security. To this end, he has committed to continuous investment in modernizing the military and other security agencies, ensuring they are equipped with cutting-edge defense technologies and the necessary resources to combat both conventional and asymmetric threats. This commitment includes the recent induction of new air assets, such as Agusta A-109S Trekker Power Attack Helicopters, designed to significantly boost the military's combat capabilities.
The President also urged a critical shift in the military's mindset, strategy, and tactics. Acknowledging that they face "elusive irregular forces that disdain the normal rules of warfare," he called for heightened vigilance, adaptability, and proactiveness in safeguarding national interests.
Beyond the broader mandate, President Tinubu has specifically directed security chiefs to address localized conflicts, particularly the relentless killings in Benue State. He has demanded decisive action against perpetrators and urged renewed efforts towards reconciliation among warring factions. Furthermore, he has set an ambitious target to eradicate banditry and general insecurity across the nation by the end of 2025.
In response, the Nigerian military has consistently reaffirmed its dedication to executing the President's directives precisely. They emphasize ongoing operations and strategic sessions aimed at achieving these critical national security objectives.
