Tinubu’s Easter Rally: Hope and Military Action to Defeat Nigeria’s Insecurity

 President Bola Tinubu delivered a stirring Easter message to Nigerians on April 17, 2025, calling for hope, unity, and perseverance in the face of economic and security challenges.

 Addressing the nation’s 220 million citizens, Tinubu invoked the resurrection’s promise, urging resilience amid 30% inflation and 33% unemployment that have strained households. He highlighted the $25 billion Renewed Hope Infrastructure Fund, launched in 2024, as a cornerstone for job creation, with 500,000 jobs projected by 2026 through road, rail, and port projects. The broadcast, aired during Good Friday preparations, emphasized spiritual renewal, resonating with Nigeria’s 70 million Christians preparing for Easter Sunday.

Tinubu issued a directive to the Nigerian military to intensify operations against rampant insecurity, which saw 7,000 banditry and kidnapping incidents in 2024, predominantly in the North. Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa outlined plans to deploy 10,000 additional troops to hotspots in Borno, Zamfara, and Kaduna, supported by 200 armored vehicles and drone surveillance. 

The strategy targets 1,500 kidnappings reported last year, with 80% in northern states, where bandit groups exploit ungoverned spaces. Tinubu’s order aligns with the Christian Association of Nigeria’s call for peace, as 60% of citizens report feeling unsafe.

 Critics, including PDP leader Atiku Abubakar, argue the 400,000-strong military is overstretched, advocating for community policing to complement federal efforts. Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to achieving 6,000 MW of electricity by 2026, addressing daily outages that cost businesses ₦5 trillion annually, aiming to bolster economic stability.