President Bola Tinubu has reiterated the commitment of Federal Government of Nigeria to reclaim ungoverned areas, particularly forests from terrorists and other criminal elements in the country.
Addressing the elders and leaders of Katsina State in northern Nigeria during his 2-day state visit to the state on Saturday, President Tinubu said that advanced surveillance and technology would be deployed to combat kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism.
The statement by the Special Adviser to the Nigerian President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, said that on the issue of security raised by former governor Aminu Bello Masari that “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 highlighted encouraging signs of Nigeria’s economic recovery, attributing recent positive growth indicators to bold policy decisions.
President Tinubu assured that the Federal Government would consider upgrading the airport in Katsina State to create jobs and expand the economy.
Tinubu also assured that victims of terrorism would receive support to pick up their lives.
In his remarks, Governor Radda of Katsina state said the state had established a security outfit that gathers and supplies intelligence.
He disclosed that the proposed airport expansion, including the cargo terminal, passenger terminal, and fire truck, would create 2,700 direct jobs and cost N54bn.
GIK/APA