Nigeria Set to Defeat Banditry by 2026, Akpabio

By Abiola Olawale

The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio has issued a bold forecast for Nigeria’s security landscape, predicting that the scourge of banditry and insurgency will be effectively dismantled by 2026.

Speaking during a Christmas prayer and fasting service at the Methodist Church Nigeria in Ukana Ikot Ntuen, Akwa Ibom State, Akpabio attributed this optimistic timeline to a “renewed and intensified” collaboration between the Nigerian government and international allies.

This was also contained in a Christmas statement issued in Abuja by his Special Assistant on Media/Communication, Anietie Ekong, titled “Akpabio Upbeat Banditry Will Be Defeated In New Year.”

Akpabio said the country’s security challenges would be defeated in the new year and beyond, particularly with renewed collaboration between Nigeria and international partners.

He also called on Nigerians to set aside political, ethnic, and religious differences and work towards a more peaceful and equitable nation, stressing that national development can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace.

He said, “I want to wish all Nigerians a very prosperous and peaceful new year. I want to assure all Nigerians that the new year will usher in renewed peace in our country.

“I enjoin Nigerians, irrespective of political leanings, to support the administration of President Bola Tinubu in the fight against banditry and insurgency. With the renewed collaboration with international partners, the insurgency will be defeated.

“For God so loved the world that He sent His only begotten Son to be born as a man to redeem mankind. By the reason of the birth of Jesus Christ, Nigerians will be redeemed from banditry and insurgency in the new year and beyond.”

The New Diplomat reports that Akpabio’s remarks follow an announcement by the United States President Donald Trump that the US had carried out an airstrike targeting suspected terrorist elements in Nigeria.