The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has expressed optimism that Nigeria will significantly overcome banditry and terrorism by 2026, citing strengthened collaboration with international partners as a major boost to the country’s security efforts.
In a Christmas message issued in Abuja on Friday and made available to Hobnob News by his Special Assistant on Media and Communication, Anietie Ekong, Akpabio urged Nigerians to embrace peace, unity and collective responsibility in tackling insecurity.
The statement, titled “Akpabio Upbeat Banditry Will Be Defeated in New Year,” noted that the Senate President believes Nigeria’s persistent security challenges will be defeated in the new year and beyond, particularly through renewed global counter-terrorism cooperation.
Akpabio called on Nigerians to rise above political, ethnic and religious divisions, stressing that sustainable development can only flourish in an atmosphere of peace and stability.
He made the remarks during a prayer and fasting service held in honour of the Akpabio family at the Methodist Church Nigeria, Cathedral of Unity, Ukana Ikot Ntuen, in Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
Linking his optimism to recent international counter-terrorism actions, including reported United States airstrikes on terrorist hideouts, Akpabio described such efforts as a positive signal for Nigeria’s security outlook.
“I want to assure Nigerians that the new year will usher in renewed peace in our country,” he said. “I urge citizens, regardless of political affiliation, to support the administration of President Bola Tinubu in the fight against banditry and insurgency. With renewed collaboration with international partners, these security threats will be defeated.”
Drawing from the Christmas message, Akpabio added that the birth of Jesus Christ symbolises redemption and hope, expressing confidence that Nigerians would experience freedom from banditry and insurgency in the coming year and beyond.
The Senate President also emphasised the role of strong family values in promoting peace and national cohesion, noting that unity within families and communities forms the bedrock of societal progress.
In her remarks, his wife, Mrs Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, encouraged family members to support one another selflessly and live in love, while the head of the Greater Akpabio Family, Chief Ekan Akpabio, urged relatives to continue supporting the Senate President in his national responsibilities.
The annual prayer and fasting service, held every December 26, serves as a forum for the Akpabio family to thank God for sustenance throughout the year and to pray for peace, unity and stability in Nigeria.
Akpabio’s remarks come amid renewed international attention on Nigeria’s security situation following confirmation by the United States that it conducted airstrikes against suspected terrorist elements in the country.
US officials said the operation was carried out based on shared intelligence and in coordination with the Nigerian government. Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, later confirmed that the country provided the intelligence and formally approved the operation, describing it as part of ongoing security cooperation rather than a religiously motivated action.
Nigeria has faced multiple security challenges for over a decade, including insurgency in the North-East and widespread banditry in the North-West, leading to thousands of deaths and large-scale displacement. Despite continued international support through intelligence sharing and military assistance, direct foreign airstrikes on Nigerian territory remain rare and closely scrutinised.
About The Author
