“Pray for Bandits and Terrorists to Change” - Tinubu Urges Nigerians Amid Rising Insecurity

President Tinubu has called on Nigerians to pray for bandits and terrorists to stop their criminal activities, while assuring citizens that his administration remains dedicated to combating insecurity nationwide. In his Eid al-Adha speech, delivered on Tuesday, he congratulated Muslims across Nigeria, reminding them of the festival's purpose: faith, obedience, and a willingness to sacrifice for a higher purpose.  He then shifted his focus to Nigeria’s security challenges and national unity.

According to the President:

“I am aware that, despite the best efforts of our security and intelligence agencies, including the recent elimination of a wanted ISIS leader, heartless terrorists and bandits still attack some communities,” he said.

“I assure you, you are neither abandoned nor forgotten. We will ultimately defeat all the forces of evil.”

The president urged Nigerians to pray for the country during these hard times. He said, 

“Pray for those involved in banditry and terrorism to have a change of heart and abandon their evil ways.”

Tinubu stressed that while the government remains committed to strengthening military and intelligence operations, spiritual intervention and collective national support are also necessary in confronting insecurity.

His comments come amid rising public concern over recent abductions, killings, and attacks in several parts of the country, particularly in the North-West, North-Central, and South-West, where communities have increasingly called for stronger action. The President also reassured Nigerians that his administration would continue investing in security reforms, equipment upgrades, and intelligence coordination to improve safety nationwide.

However, the statement has triggered mixed reactions online. While some Nigerians have welcomed the spiritual message, others have argued that the government must prioritise more concrete security measures over public calls for prayer.

The president then ended his statement by wishing Nigerians a peaceful and blessed Eid-el-Kabir celebration.