Tinubu’s Katsina historic declaration of war on terrorism, by Kola Amzat

I quote the President, Commander-in-Chief, of Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria “My dear soldiers, this is defining moment in our history. The threats of terrorism, banditry and insurgency have persisted for too long, Nigerians are counting on us—and on you—to end this menace and reclaim every inch of our country”“To those who seek to destabilize our nation, be they domestic collaborators or foreign agents, —hear this: Nigeria will not bow.

Not to fear. Not to terror. Not to treachery. You, the Nigerian military, are the spearhead of this fight”“Let it be clear: The Federal Government stands firmly behind you. As your Commander-in-Chief, I am fully aware of the challenges you face. We are taking bold steps to equip you with advanced equipment, superior intelligence and robust logistical support—not only to defend this nation, but, to dominate and defeat adversary”

“Your welfare is my priority. We are committed to ensuring your families are safe, your allowances are paid promptly and your healthcare is guaranteed, and your dignity upheld. Housing programs, family support systems, insurance coverage, and improved remuneration are being implemented without delay”

“The fight you are waging here in Katsina and across the country is not just a battle for territory; it is a battle for the soul of Nigeria. Your resilience in the face of danger inspires the entire nation. Your sacrifices do not go unnoticed”“You have left behind your families and the comforts of civilian life to wear the uniform of honour and duty.

“ You face danger, not for wealth or recognition, but, for love of our dear nation. That, my brothers and sisters in uniform is the highest form of patriotism. You are the silent guardians of our democracy, and I salute you”

“Let me hear you loudly: Are you ready? Are you committed to ending this insecurity once and for all?“Let your resolve echo through every valley and forest. Let the enemies of Nigeria know—their time is up. This war will not be won by weapons alone, but by your will to stand, resist, fight and triumph.

As your President, I will match your courage with action, investment and unwavering support” What a tremendous declaration of hope & reassurance! What an audacious, courageous and fearless president! What a strategic location that the president opted to affirm his message of hope and restoration!

The president chose Katsina, the hotbed of banditry, insurgence and criminality to challenge the army, not only to sweep of, and completely neutralize any forms of terrorism, but, also to reclaim any inch of our lost territory.

No doubt, immediate past president, Muhammud Buhari, would be the happiest that even, against all odds, he handed over the affairs of the country to a worthy, resourceful, visionary, indomitable and a very patriotic mind.The challenge handed out to the members of Nigerian armed forces is unprecedented and historic!

Never in the annals of this country have Nigerians experienced this audacity from a president who has completely mobilized and has also promised to fortify and strengthen the armed forces with everything they need to draw the curtains on the regime of terrorism.

Not even, in the military eras of Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, his protégé, Sani Abacha and, of course, Olusegun Obasanjo, who indeed was privileged to do so much to turn the tide, but, tragically did so little!We recollect that the bandits struck in northern plateau state maiming as many as 51 souls and also displaced more than 2000 people from their ancestral homes.

 A week after, the herders again were on rampage in Benue state, leaving on their trail more than seventy souls, with thousands also displaced and rendered homeless. Terrorists were also at their horrendous best with coordinated attacks that brought down more than 7 men, with more than 53 kidnapped. It’s only the terrorists that could provide justifications for all these coordinated, mindless, heinous and very reckless attacks!Now, that the members of Nigerian Armed Forces have received the mandate of Commander-in-Chief Armed Forces to move and rout out criminalities-banditry, insurgency, kidnappings and others, there is no hiding place for these hoodlums and men of the underworld again.

Millions of Nigerians across the length and breadth of the country, including this writer therefore join our fate, as well as supporting our dear president in his total declaration of war against the terrorism, with his Katsina declaration.

The president has promised to take bold steps to equip the members of armed forces with advanced equipment, superior intelligence and robust logistical support, not only to defend this nation, but, to dominate and defeat adversary. He has promised them better welfare, prompt payment of allowances, safety of their families, guaranteed healthcare system, tremendous housing programs, sustainable insurance coverage, as well as improved remuneration.

Tinubu is a man who makes promises and even, does more than he promised. That’s the quintessential former Lagos state governor! And, what again do the member of armed forces are waiting for other than to respond to the clarion call of the president?

Nigerians expect them to arise, move to all the nooks and crannies and begin to rout out these criminal elements, bandits, terrorists, insurgents. Henceforth, they must not allow them to sleep again! They and their families must be neutralized, and wipe out from the earth surface. As the president has unequivocally declared; Nigeria will not bow. Not to fear.

Not to terror. Not to treachery. Nigerian military, are the spearhead of the fight. The military men should also remember, as the president has declared that, the war they are waging in Katsina and across the country is not just a battle for territory; it is a battle for the soul of Nigeria and their resilience and unwavering spirit in the face of danger inspires the entire nation. Triumph for the motherland, in that war would guarantees the military men chapter of honour in the Nigeria annals and also count them worthy as heroes and heroines forever.

Kola AMZAT (FCA, FCIB)Lagos based Financial & Management Consultants,09077509348.