Tinubu Speaks on Nigeria–US Joint Military Operations, Reaffirms Security and Economic Reform Agenda

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has spoken publicly on the joint military operations between Nigeria and the United States aimed at dismantling terrorist networks and flushing out criminal elements from their hideouts.

In his New Year goodwill message to Nigerians, the President acknowledged the recent military action against Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) cells operating in a suburb of Sokoto State. He stressed that insecurity poses a serious threat to economic development and assured Nigerians that sustained military pressure on terrorist enclaves would continue, particularly across the North-West and North-East regions.
President Tinubu reaffirmed that in 2026, Nigeria’s security and intelligence agencies would strengthen collaboration with regional and global partners to eliminate all threats to national security. He noted that decisive actions were taken against terrorist targets in parts of the North-West on December 24, in cooperation with international allies, including the United States.
“Our Armed Forces have since sustained operations against terror networks and criminal strongholds across the Northwest and Northeast,” the President said, adding that his administration remains committed to protecting lives, property, and the nation’s territorial integrity.
He further reiterated his belief that a decentralised policing system, supported by appropriate safeguards and complemented by properly regulated forest guards, remains critical to effectively tackling terrorism, banditry, and related security challenges.
Speaking on the economy, President Tinubu highlighted the gains recorded from his administration’s reform policies. He cited robust quarterly Gross Domestic Product growth, improved trade surpluses, enhanced exchange rate stability, and a steady decline in inflation. He also disclosed that Nigeria’s foreign reserves stood at $45.4 billion as of December 29, 2025, providing a strong buffer against external shocks.
According to the President, foreign direct investment has responded positively, rising to $720 million in the third quarter of 2025 from $90 million in the preceding quarter, reflecting renewed investor confidence in Nigeria’s economic direction. He noted that global credit rating agencies such as Moody’s, Fitch, and Standard & Poor’s have consistently affirmed and applauded the country’s economic outlook.
“As we enter 2026, our focus is on consolidating these gains and continuing to build a resilient, sustainable, inclusive, and growth-oriented economy,” Tinubu said, adding that inflation and interest rates are expected to moderate further, creating more fiscal space for investments in infrastructure and human capital development.
The President also addressed the challenge of multiple taxation across different tiers of government, commending states that have aligned with the national tax harmonisation agenda to reduce the burden of excessive taxes, levies, and fees on citizens.
He explained that the new year marks a critical phase in implementing tax reforms designed to build a fair, competitive, and robust fiscal foundation for Nigeria, aimed at raising revenue sustainably while financing infrastructure and social investments.
Concluding his address, President Tinubu called on Nigerians to embrace unity and shared responsibility in nation-building, urging citizens to serve the country with dignity, patriotism, and integrity.
He wished Nigerians a peaceful, productive, and prosperous New Year, praying for continued national stability, the safety of security personnel, and the defeat of forces threatening the country’s peace and security.