President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that his administration will no longer tolerate armed groups operating outside the authority of the state, emphasizing that past “half‑measures” are insufficient to tackle Nigeria’s security challenges.

Speaking on the nation’s escalating insecurity, Tinubu stated that the government will adopt a stronger and more unified approach to restore law and order, targeting bandits, kidnappers, militias, and other violent non‑state actors.

Under the new security approach, Nigeria aims to implement a unified command across all security agencies, enhance intelligence gathering, and classify many armed criminal groups as terrorists. The move comes amid rising violence across the country, including insurgency in the North‑East, banditry in the North‑West, and kidnappings in various regions.

President Tinubu also highlighted efforts to bolster the police and armed forces, as well as legislative changes that would toughen penalties for violent crimes. He reiterated that the state must assert control over all armed actors to ensure lasting peace and stability across Nigeria.