Growing concerns over insecurity across Nigeria have continued to dominate public discourse following recent attacks, killings, and abductions in parts of the country. From violent attacks on communities to the kidnapping of residents and schoolchildren, these incidents have renewed calls for stronger security measures and greater collaboration between the government, security agencies, and local communities.
Against this backdrop, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has appealed to Nigerians not to lose faith in the country, urging citizens to rally behind President Bola Tinubu and security agencies as efforts continue to tackle the security challenges confronting the nation. In a statement, the governor acknowledged that recent security incidents had generated anxiety among citizens but insisted that Nigerians must remain united and resilient in the face of adversity.
According to him, difficult moments such as these require citizens to stand together irrespective of political, ethnic, or religious differences. “Recent security incidents in parts of our country have understandably generated concerns amongst citizens,” Sanwo-Olu said. “But moments like this in our national life require that we remind ourselves of our national character as a people. We are Nigerians. Our will is strong and our spirit is unbreakable.”
The governor said the fight against insecurity should not be viewed through political lenses, stressing that violent criminals and terrorists target innocent citizens without regard for political affiliation. “The forces of evil confronting our nation do not ask for our political affiliation before they kill, maim and destroy,” he said. “So must our resolve and support for our nation be devoid of political leanings and divisive rhetorics.”
Sanwo-Olu also expressed sympathy for victims of recent attacks across the country and called for prayers for those affected by violence. He particularly urged Nigerians to remember the teachers and students reportedly abducted in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the incident as unfortunate. “Every life lost is a tragedy. Every community threatened by violence deserves our solidarity, support and protection,” the governor said.
He noted that while the security situation remains a major concern, the challenge is not beyond the country’s ability to overcome. According to him, Nigeria has faced several difficult periods throughout its history, including economic, political, and social crises, but has consistently emerged stronger through resilience and unity. “Our country has faced many challenges throughout its history. We have confronted economic setbacks, political instability, social tensions and security threats. Yet, through resilience, courage and unity of purpose, we have always emerged stronger,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu maintained that those behind attacks and acts of terror do not represent the values of Nigerians and should not be allowed to weaken public confidence in the country’s future. He urged citizens across the country’s six geopolitical zones to remain hopeful and committed to national unity. “This is not a time for division or despair. It is a time to reaffirm our common identity and our shared commitment to peace, progress and national development,” he said.
The governor also highlighted the role of citizens in supporting security efforts, saying the government alone cannot successfully tackle insecurity without cooperation from local communities. He called on residents to remain vigilant and provide useful information to security agencies to help prevent criminal activities. According to him, intelligence sharing at the community level remains crucial in efforts to identify and apprehend criminal elements. “Government alone cannot win this battle without the support, cooperation, vigilance and active intelligence sharing by local communities,” he said. “Together, we can create an environment where criminal elements find no refuge and no support.”
Sanwo-Olu further expressed confidence in the leadership of President Tinubu and the capacity of the nation’s security and intelligence agencies to confront criminal networks operating across the country. He commended members of the armed forces and other security personnel for their sacrifices, noting that many continue to risk their lives daily to protect citizens and preserve national stability. The governor said efforts to strengthen the country’s security architecture and improve intelligence gathering require patience and sustained support from the public. He argued that lasting solutions to complex security challenges are rarely achieved overnight but can be realized through determination and collective action.
Speaking as governor of Nigeria’s commercial capital, Sanwo-Olu said he remains optimistic about the country’s future despite current challenges. “Our best days remain ahead of us,” he said. “The challenges before us today must not define us. What should define us is how we respond—with courage instead of fear, with unity instead of division, and with hope instead of despair.” He urged young Nigerians to remain hopeful, families to stay resilient, and security personnel to remain steadfast in their duties. Expressing confidence that the country would overcome its current security challenges, the governor said Nigeria’s collective strength remains greater than the actions of those seeking to spread fear and instability. “This battle shall be won. Nigeria will prevail because the collective strength of our people is greater than the evil agenda of the few who are bent on making us live in fear and despair,” he concluded.
