Date: March 20, 2026 l By Mis Stella, Dalena Reporters
Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has declared that the country’s security challenges cannot be tackled by the government alone, urging citizens to play an active role in safeguarding the nation.
Speaking after Eid-el-Fitr prayers in Lagos, Tinubu emphasized that national security is a collective responsibility, calling on Nigerians to remain vigilant and support security agencies with useful information.
“The stability and security of this nation is not the responsibility of one man alone. We are all involved,” the president said, stressing the need for citizens to report suspicious activities and cooperate with authorities.
Tinubu also urged Nigerians to uphold the values of unity, compassion, and peaceful coexistence cultivated during the Ramadan period. He noted that sustaining these values beyond the holy month is essential to building a safer and more stable society.
Highlighting Nigeria’s diversity as a strength, the president called for greater harmony among religious and ethnic groups, stating that both Muslims and Christians share common values and must live together in peace.
His remarks come at a time when Nigeria continues to grapple with persistent security challenges, including terrorism, banditry, and communal violence across several regions. Recent attacks and ongoing threats have intensified calls for stronger and more coordinated responses from both the government and citizens.
Analysts say Tinubu’s statement reflects a broader strategy of community-based security engagement, where intelligence gathering and local cooperation play a critical role in combating crime and insurgency.
However, the president’s comments are also likely to spark debate, with critics arguing that while public cooperation is important, the government must take primary responsibility for ensuring the safety of lives and property.
As Nigeria faces mounting security pressures, Tinubu’s message signals a shift toward shared responsibility—but also raises a critical question: can citizen participation bridge the gap in a system struggling to contain growing threats?