Nigerians Will Sleep With Their Eyes Closed Again”

Defence Minister Outlines Fresh Mandate After Meeting President Tinubu In a determined address to the press on Monday, Nigeria’s Minister of Defence reaffirmed the federal government’s renewed commitment to restoring national security, following a closed-door meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa.

The minister, visibly resolute, disclosed that President Tinubu had issued a clear directive: Nigerians must return to a life where farms can operate without fear, schools can stay open without disruption, and citizens can finally sleep with both eyes closed.

“I just met with Mr. President, and he reiterated his position: Nigeria must be secured,” the minister said. “Nigerians should go back and sleep with their eyes closed, go back to their farms, and schools must open without being molested.”

Central to the minister’s briefing was the need for unified action across all branches of Nigeria’s security architecture. He emphasized that the President’s top priority is ensuring that the **armed forces reclaim their full operational authority** and work more cohesively with other security agencies.

“Our immediate priority is to make sure the defence sector takes its rightful place. There must be synergy between the armed forces, security agencies, and all Nigerians,” he said.
“Security is everybody’s responsibility. That cooperation is what we must build on—and that is exactly what we are doing.”

The minister stressed that this new approach aims to close long-standing gaps in intelligence-sharing, field operations, and community engagement, which analysts have repeatedly identified as major weaknesses in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, banditry, and kidnappings.

With the country still reeling from recent waves of school abductions and rural attacks, the minister assured citizens that noticeable improvements are on the horizon.

“I can assure you that within the shortest possible time, Nigerians will see results,” he stated confidently.

He credited ordinary Nigerians for their patience, support, and encouragement, saying the overwhelming goodwill he has received has strengthened his resolve.

“Nigerians have shown me love, and I want to use this medium to appreciate them. I guarantee that I will work—whatever it takes—to ensure that Nigeria is secured. We will achieve this together.”

The minister repeatedly emphasized inclusiveness—insisting that the fight against insecurity requires cooperation from citizens, traditional institutions, community leaders, and state governments.

“Everyone must be carried along to make sure Nigeria continues to grow,” he added.
“Working together is the only way to win.”

This renewed directive comes at a critical time, as the nation faces heightened scrutiny over its ability to protect schools, farms, and vulnerable communities. With public confidence shaken and international partners watching closely, the Defence Ministry’s assurance sets high expectations for rapid, measurable progress.

Whether this new synergy-driven strategy can produce the promised stability will be closely monitored in the coming months.