Oyintiloye: Nigerians Must Rally Behind Tinubu to End Terrorism

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Hon. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, on Sunday urged Nigerians to unite in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts to end terrorism and restore lasting peace across the country.

Speaking with reporters in Osogbo, Oyintiloye appealed to religious, political, and community leaders to put aside their differences and rally behind the President in confronting the nation’s security challenges.

The former lawmaker described the recent threat by former United States President, Donald Trump, to deploy military forces to Nigeria over alleged killings of Christians as “a wake-up call” for all Nigerians to defend the nation’s sovereignty through unity and collective responsibility.

According to him, while President Tinubu and the security agencies are working tirelessly to tackle terrorism, banditry, and other violent crimes, citizens must demonstrate patriotism and responsibility in safeguarding the country’s stability and image.

“This is not the time for division or political bitterness,” Oyintiloye said. “Our religious or political affiliations should not matter at this critical moment. What Nigeria needs now is unity and cooperation to defend our territorial integrity and restore peace.”

He noted that the current security situation did not begin with the Tinubu administration but evolved over many years, stressing that the President has shown the determination to confront the menace head-on.

While appreciating the concerns expressed by the United States, the APC stalwart said cooperation in intelligence sharing and supply of military equipment would be more beneficial than the deployment of foreign troops, which, he warned, might “complicate the situation.”

“What we need from the U.S. and our allies is strategic partnership and technical support, not foreign boots on our soil,” he added. “We must be careful not to invite measures that could undermine our sovereignty.”

Oyintiloye also cautioned members of the opposition against reckless statements capable of inflaming tensions, stressing that insecurity affects all Nigerians regardless of party or faith.

He urged the newly appointed service chiefs to justify the confidence reposed in them by the President by intensifying the fight against terrorism and other forms of violent crime.

“Our leaders will serve for a time and move on,” he said. “But Nigeria must continue to exist. All stakeholders — political, religious, and traditional — must rise in defence of the nation.”

Trump had, on November 1, 2025, announced via social media that he had directed the U.S. Department of Defense and the Pentagon to prepare for possible military action in Nigeria, citing alleged large-scale killings of Christians. He also warned that the U.S. would halt all forms of aid and assistance to Nigeria if urgent steps were not taken.