Nigerians Can Now Travel Safely at Night, Says President Tinubu

President Tinubu has assured citizens of enhanced security, stating Nigerians can now safely travel at night and across all regions of the country. Discover more here.

President Bola Tinubu has claimed that Nigeria’s security situation has greatly improved since he took office.

During the inaugural international lecture hosted by the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Thursday, Tinubu, represented by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, compared the current security situation to its state in 2022 and early 2023 under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s leadership.

The President conveyed assurance in the nation’s existing security situation, asserting that Nigerians can now journey from the capital, Abuja, to any region of the country without fearing attacks.

Tinubu stated, “We’ve been focusing on work rather than talk. Our discussions have decreased as our efforts intensify. I assure you that we’re heading in the right direction—Nigeria is becoming more stable and you’ll soon notice it. Please give us some time.”

He also reminded the audience of the serious security challenges faced in the previous year, stating: “Let this serve as a gentle reminder to some of us—do not forget Nigeria in 2022. Here in Abuja, there were instances where criminals and terrorists would come and kill our soldiers. In that time frame from 2022 into 2023 across Nigeria, perpetrators attacked prisons to free dangerous criminals and even targeted trains for mass kidnappings.”

Tinubu stated, “That was Nigeria in 2022. However, I can confidently say that Abuja is now secure. You can drive at night and travel to locations like Kaduna, Lokoja, Minna, or Lafia with a sense of safety. These improvements have occurred within just one year and four months. Across Nigeria today, you can journey to any part without the apprehensions present back in 2022.”

Despite the President’s assurances, a recent report by SBM Intelligence reveals that Nigeria’s security situation is more complicated than portrayed. The report indicates that at least 7,568 people were abducted nationwide between July 2023 and July 2024.

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The report outlines that the security situation continues to be difficult, as various armed groups and non-state actors exploit the state’s weakened control.

Challenges like the resurgence of Boko Haram in the Northeast, armed gangs in the Northcentral and Northwest, secessionist violence in the Southeast, as well as gang-related activities in the Southwest have persistently contributed to instability.

The report indicated, “Among these various security challenges, kidnapping for ransom has become a prevalent issue. Our research revealed that between July 2023 and June 2024, at least 7,568 individuals were abducted in 1,130 incidents nationwide.”