The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has delivered a strong message to the Nigerian government regarding the nation's security crisis. Speaking during the November Holy Ghost Service on Friday, November 7, 2025, at the Redemption City along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, the respected cleric called for decisive action against terrorism and those who finance it.
Urgent Call to Action Following Trump's Warning
Pastor Adeboye's remarks came in response to former United States President Donald Trump's recent threat of military intervention in Nigeria over reports of Christian persecution. The religious leader emphasized that Nigeria must address its security challenges internally before external forces intervene.
The cleric specifically advised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to issue clear directives to service chiefs that go beyond merely eliminating terrorists. "When giving orders to the service chiefs this time around," Adeboye stated, "he should make it clear to them that they are not only to eliminate the terrorists; they should eliminate their sponsors, no matter how influential they may be."
Learning from Past Mistakes: The Buhari Experience
Pastor Adeboye revealed that his current advice stems from lessons learned during the administration of late President Muhammadu Buhari. He recalled private discussions with the former leader after Buhari had directed the military to crush insurgents within three months.
"There was a president, unfortunately, he is dead now, that's Buhari, who issued such an order," Adeboye disclosed. "He called the service chiefs and said, 'I give you three months, get rid of all these Boko Haram people or resign.'"
However, the religious leader noted that despite initial progress, the mission ultimately failed due to lack of follow-through. "He ran with that advice, but he didn't follow it through because he gave the order as the commander-in-chief of the armed forces," Adeboye explained. "The security chiefs moved fast, but the work was not done."
Accountability and Decisive Leadership Needed
Adeboye emphasized the importance of accountability in national security matters, revealing that he had personally confronted Buhari about the unmet deadline. "I went to see him... I said, 'Why didn't you follow through? Because three months passed and the work wasn't done, why didn't you proceed with your threat?'"
The RCCG leader stressed that Nigeria must demonstrate genuine commitment to solving its security problems, particularly in light of international attention and threats of foreign intervention. He recommended a 100-day window for decisive action against terrorism and insecurity, calling for immediate changes in the nation's security approach.
Pastor Adeboye's message underscores the growing urgency for Nigeria to address its security challenges comprehensively, targeting not just the foot soldiers of terrorism but the influential sponsors who enable their operations.
