- Tinubu Confirms Joint Nigeria–US Military Operations Against Terrorists
- He said Nigerian forces have since maintained pressure on terror groups
- Tinubu said 2026 would focus on consolidating economic gains, reducing inflation further and ensuring reforms benefit households
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has confirmed joint military operations between Nigeria and the United States aimed at dismantling terrorist networks and striking their hideouts across the country.
Eko Hot Blog reports that in his New Year goodwill message to Nigerians, the president acknowledged recent military action against cells of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) operating in parts of Sokoto State.
EDITOR’S PICK
- Childhood Friend Allegedly Kills Europe-based Returnee in Edo Community
- NJC Screens Out 34 Judge Nominees Over Integrity Issues
- FG Says Sokoto Security Operation Strengthens Economy
He said the offensive was part of sustained efforts to weaken terrorist strongholds in the North-West and North-East regions.
Tinubu stressed that insecurity poses a serious threat to economic growth and national stability, adding that coordinated attacks on terror networks would continue in 2026.
“Our nation continues to confront security threats from criminal and terrorist elements determined to disrupt our way of life,” he said. “In collaboration with international partners, including the United States, decisive actions were taken against terrorist targets in parts of the North-West on December 24.”
He said Nigerian forces have since maintained pressure on terror groups and criminal gangs across affected regions.
Looking ahead, the president said security and intelligence agencies would deepen cooperation with both regional and global partners to eliminate threats to national security. He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to protecting lives, property and Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
Tinubu also reiterated his support for decentralised policing, saying a system with appropriate safeguards, alongside properly regulated forest guards, would help tackle terrorism, banditry and related crimes more effectively.
Turning to the economy, the president highlighted what he described as significant gains from his administration’s reform policies. He cited steady GDP growth, trade surpluses, improved exchange rate stability and declining inflation.
According to Tinubu, Nigeria closed 2025 on a strong note, with annual GDP growth projected to exceed four per cent and inflation falling below 15 per cent. He added that foreign reserves stood at $45.4 billion as of December 29, 2025, providing a strong buffer against external shocks.
The president also pointed to renewed investor confidence, noting that foreign direct investment rose sharply in the third quarter of 2025 to $720 million, compared with $90 million in the preceding quarter. He said Nigeria’s improving outlook had been recognised by international credit rating agencies.
Tinubu said 2026 would focus on consolidating economic gains, reducing inflation further and ensuring reforms benefit households across the country. He also highlighted ongoing tax reforms aimed at reducing multiple taxation, harmonising levies and strengthening revenue generation for infrastructure and social development.
In closing, the president called on Nigerians to embrace unity and shared responsibility in nation-building.
“To achieve our objectives in 2026, we must all play our part,” he said. “Nation-building is a shared responsibility. Let us stand together in unity and purpose.”
FURTHER READING
- Orijeru of Igbooye Confers Jagunoba, Yeye Jagunoba, Gbobaniyi Titles at Coronation Anniversary
- NELFUND Reduces Tertiary School Dropout — Board Member
- Insecurity Worsening Impact on Women, Children — Funmi Falana
Click here to watch video of the week
