President Bola Tinubu promises to defeat banditry and terrorism in Nigeria, linking security challenges to livestock reforms during the National Economic Council conference in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu on Monday described banditry and terrorism as alien to Nigerian culture and a major economic hindrance requiring urgent solutions.

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He pledged that his administration would strengthen security forces to eliminate the menace.

Speaking at the opening of the two-day National Economic Council (NEC) conference at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, Tinubu said:

“This banditry and terrorism are unacceptable. It is not part of our culture. It is foreign to us. It is an economic hindrance if we do not find an immediate solution to it.”

The President’s remarks come in the wake of deadly bandit attacks across multiple states, including the February 3 massacre in Woro and Nuku communities of Kaiama LGA, Kwara State, where at least 162 residents were killed.

In Katsina State, bandits killed at least 20 people in Doma communities on the same day after a collapsed peace arrangement.

Tinubu commended governors of Borno and Katsina states, among others, for their efforts in combating insecurity.

He also linked security challenges to his administration’s livestock reforms, emphasizing that the NEC conference must produce actionable resolutions on ranching, livestock investment, and agricultural diversification as a pathway to ending farmer-herder conflicts:

“I’m confident that the resolution of this conference will include dairy farming, livestock investment, ranches, and diversification of our agricultural produce. I promise you here, I will play my part. I promise Nigeria that this will be delivered.”

The President’s remarks follow his December 10, 2025 directive to Vice President Kashim Shettima and the NEC to develop a roadmap for transforming Nigeria’s livestock sector through ranching. A Livestock Development Committee, chaired by Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris, was inaugurated to fast-track nationwide reforms.

The NEC conference, themed “Delivering Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development: The Renewed Hope National Development Plan,” is scheduled for February 9–10, 2026, and will address fiscal coordination, investment mobilisation, and shared development strategies between federal and state governments.

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State governors, top government officials, development partners, and private-sector leaders are participating as the Federal Government works to deepen reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda.