Renewed Hope in Action: Tinubu Govt Confirms 8,000 Terrorists Killed, Sparks Nationwide Jubilation’
In a landmark moment for Nigeria’s security architecture, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the elimination of over 8,000 terrorists and bandits within a year. The figures were revealed by the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, during a recent press briefing in Abuja. This achievement, hailed by many as a testament to the “Renewed Hope” agenda of the Tinubu administration, has sparked jubilation across communities previously ravaged by insecurity.
The operations, which spanned key hotspots in the North-East, North-West, and parts of the North-Central region, were coordinated through a renewed inter-agency collaboration framework and backed by advanced intelligence gathering tools. According to Matawalle, more than 11,600 criminal suspects were arrested during various raids and tactical missions, while over 10,000 illegal arms and ammunition were recovered from insurgent and bandit hideouts.
“President Tinubu has demonstrated uncommon resolve in fighting insecurity in all its forms. The killing of over 8,000 terrorists is evidence that we are taking back our country,” Matawalle said. “This is not just a number; it is a significant reduction in the capacity of terrorist groups to inflict harm on our people and our soldiers.”
He credited the recent successes to a series of strategic reforms and high-level support from the presidency, including the establishment of the Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell (MAAKFC). This special unit was formed to boost intelligence sharing and rapid response against kidnap-for-ransom networks, especially in states like Kaduna, Zamfara, Niger, and Katsina, where abductions have remained a major threat.
The Defence Ministry also revealed that several field commanders of known insurgent groups, including elements of Boko Haram and ISWAP (Islamic State West Africa Province), were among those neutralized in military operations. Some of the most successful operations included coordinated airstrikes in the Sambisa Forest, targeted ground offensives in the Lake Chad region, and border surveillance operations to curb arms smuggling from neighboring countries.
“Under President Tinubu, we are not just reacting to insecurity — we are taking the fight to the terrorists before they can act,” Matawalle added. “And our brave troops are better equipped, better supported, and more determined than ever.”
The impact of these military gains is already being felt in formerly volatile areas. In Borno and Yobe States, internally displaced persons (IDPs) have begun returning to their ancestral homes. Farming and trade have resumed in parts of Zamfara, Sokoto, and Benue, and local vigilante groups, in cooperation with security agencies, are helping to maintain peace.
President Tinubu’s administration has prioritized security as a key pillar of national development. The “Renewed Hope” agenda, which was central to his campaign, outlined a comprehensive plan for tackling insecurity, boosting the economy, and improving governance. Beyond military operations, the federal government has also committed to tackling the root causes of insurgency, such as poverty, unemployment, and the lack of education in rural areas.
In that vein, Tinubu’s recent creation of the Ministry of Livestock Development has been hailed as a proactive step toward solving the recurring herder-farmer conflicts. By creating economic alternatives for pastoralists and establishing grazing reserves, the government aims to prevent the conditions that often lead to banditry and rural violence.
Public reactions to the military’s achievement have been largely positive. Across social media platforms and news outlets, Nigerians have praised the courage of the nation’s armed forces and commended the administration for taking decisive steps. Community leaders in states like Kaduna, Borno, and Niger have issued public statements expressing gratitude for the improved security conditions.
However, security analysts caution that while these figures are impressive, sustaining the momentum will require continued investment in military hardware, better welfare for troops, and reforms in the judiciary to ensure that arrested suspects are speedily prosecuted. They also warn that splinter groups may re-emerge if development and governance are not extended to areas cleared by military operations.
Nonetheless, the Tinubu administration appears resolute. In his most recent security council meeting, President Tinubu reiterated his commitment to a Nigeria where no one lives in fear. “Security is the foundation of prosperity,” he said. “Our goal is not just to kill terrorists but to build a nation where terrorism has no place to thrive.”
As the country reflects on the lives lost and the gains made, the administration’s message is clear: the battle for Nigeria’s peace is far from over, but the nation is winning — and will continue to win.