President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to combating poverty, criminality, and terrorism through a multi-dimensional strategy aimed at addressing the root causes of insecurity in Nigeria.

Speaking on Saturday at the passing out parade of Cadets of the 72 Regular Course, Short Service Course 48, and Direct Short Service Course at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna, President Tinubu emphasized that military force alone is insufficient to ensure lasting security across the country.

The President, who was represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio at the event, said his government is determined to build a safe, prosperous, and inclusive society by tackling underlying socio-economic drivers of conflict and insecurity.

“My administration has remained unrelenting in our resolve to provide a holistically safe society for all our citizens by implementing programmes and policies empowering Nigerians to combat poverty, criminality, and terrorism,” Tinubu stated.

He underscored that issues such as unemployment, poverty, poor education, lack of innovation, and economic dislocation must be addressed alongside military operations if Nigeria is to overcome its current security challenges.

“We recognise that no amount of kinetic effort of our armed forces and other security agencies will guarantee the safety of our people if other key drivers of insecurity, such as poverty, unemployment, poor innovation, and general economic and social disintegration have not been tackled,” he added.

As part of his broader development strategy, President Tinubu pointed to ongoing efforts under his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which he said is structured around the “Doctrine of 4D” – a diplomatic and strategic framework focused on:

• Democracy promotion,
• Development through economic growth,
• Harnessing demographic potential,
• And deepening engagement with the diaspora.

According to Tinubu, the government is simultaneously working on several fronts, including job creation, macroeconomic stability, improving the investment climate, advancing human capital development, reducing poverty, and expanding social security coverage.

“These pillars are being pursued concurrently to stimulate national transformation and reposition Nigeria as a prime global investment destination,” the President concluded.

The event in Kaduna marked a significant milestone for the newly commissioned officers, many of whom will soon join ongoing national and international security operations. Tinubu praised the armed forces for their sacrifices and urged the graduating cadets to uphold the highest standards of discipline, patriotism, and professionalism in service to the nation.

Background

Nigeria continues to face a complex security environment marked by terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and communal conflicts. The Tinubu administration has pledged a shift from a solely military-centered approach to one that integrates economic, social, and diplomatic tools to build long-term peace and resilience.