The spike in banditry and kidnapping, especially in the North West states got President Bola Tinubu reaffirming that his administration is bent on reclaiming ungoverned areas, particularly forests, in those states and Nigeria in general.
Tinubu also vowed that he would deploy advanced surveillance and technology to combat kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism.
He pledged this, while addressing Katsina elders and leaders at a state dinner held at the Government House on Friday night.
“On the issue of security raised by former governor Aminu Bello Masari again this evening, yes, I agree that security is a challenge for the country. I addressed the men and women of the armed forces earlier today and assured them that we will do everything to fight terrorism and banditry.
“We will invest more in technology and take over the forests. Security is a national issue, not just at the local or regional levels. If we genuinely need investment in Nigeria, we must address security.
“Investment is cowardly, and it will not go where there is banditry and terrorism. We will solve the problem together with the states and local councils,”; he said.
President Tinubu highlighted encouraging signs of Nigeria’s economic recovery, attributing recent positive growth indicators to bold policy decisions.
The President said the federal government will consider upgrading the airport in Katsina State to create jobs and expand the economy.
President Tinubu also assured that victims of terrorism will receive support to pick up their lives.
The President thanked Aminu Bello Masari for his role in ensuring that he got the endorsement of the North West and emerged as the APC presidential candidate.
The President also thanked the governors who honoured the invitation of the Katsina State Governor Radda for the commissioning of projects and his daughter’s wedding.
The governors were those of Kaduna, Jigawa, Borno, Benue, Yobe, Sokoto, and Kwara States.
President Tinubu acknowledged the leadership roles of Katsina indigenes in the country and described President Muhammadu Buhari as a man of integrity who contributed significantly to Nigeria’s development.
“I wish him well,”; he said.
