President Bola Tinubu on Monday declared that banditry and terrorism are alien to Nigeria’s culture and pose a serious threat to the nation’s economy, pledging that his administration will intensify efforts to decisively defeat the menace.

Tinubu spoke at the opening of a two-day National Economic Council, NEC, Conference at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, where he assured governors and key stakeholders that strengthening security operations remains a top priority of the Federal Government.

According to him, persistent attacks by bandits and terrorists have continued to endanger lives and undermine economic growth, stressing that urgent and coordinated action is required to restore stability across affected regions.

“We will further strengthen our security forces to defeat terrorism and combat banditry. This is what has kept many of us awake at night, but with determination and resilience, we will overcome,” the President said.

He described the wave of violence as unacceptable and contrary to Nigerian values, warning that insecurity would continue to slow development if not swiftly addressed.

Tinubu’s remarks come amid renewed attacks in parts of the country, including recent mass killings in communities in Kwara and Katsina states, which left scores dead, many injured, and several others abducted.

The President commended state governors, particularly those of Borno and Katsina, for their ongoing efforts in tackling insecurity and defending their communities.

He linked security challenges to ongoing livestock and agricultural reforms, insisting that ranching and structured livestock investments are critical to ending farmer-herder clashes nationwide.

Tinubu expressed confidence that the NEC conference would produce actionable resolutions on dairy farming, ranch development and agricultural diversification, in line with his administration’s livestock transformation agenda.

He recalled that the NEC had already set up a Livestock Development Committee, chaired by the Kebbi State Governor, with representatives from the six geopolitical zones, to accelerate ranching reforms across the country.

The NEC conference, presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima and convened by the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, is focused on fiscal coordination, investment drive and inclusive growth strategies between federal and state governments under the Renewed Hope development framework.