Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has urged Nigeria’s security leadership to decisively tackle terrorism within the next 90 days or step aside, as concerns continue to mount over the worsening security situation across the country.
Adeboye made the call in a video message published on the church’s official X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday, June 2, where he expressed deep concern over the persistent wave of terrorist attacks, kidnappings, and violent crimes affecting many parts of Nigeria. The respected cleric appealed to the Federal Government to take immediate and decisive measures to restore security and protect the lives of citizens.
According to him, while religious leaders can only offer guidance and recommendations, the constitutional responsibility for ensuring national security ultimately rests with the government, particularly the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
“If I were asked to make suggestions, I would say quietly to our government, move fast. And tell our security chiefs, get rid of these terrorists within 90 days, or resign,” Adeboye stated.
The cleric’s remarks come at a time when Nigerians are increasingly worried about recurring incidents of terrorism, banditry, kidnappings, and attacks on schools and communities. Across several states, criminal groups have continued to target innocent citizens, disrupting economic activities, education, and social life.
Reflecting on previous efforts to combat insecurity, Adeboye recalled a similar recommendation he made to former President Muhammadu Buhari during his administration. According to the RCCG leader, he had advised Buhari to set a strict deadline for security agencies to eliminate the Boko Haram insurgency and other security threats confronting the nation.
He explained that the former president accepted the suggestion and directed the security chiefs accordingly. However, Adeboye noted that despite the issuance of the directive, the desired results were not achieved within the stipulated period, and no further action was taken after the deadline expired.
“I once gave similar advice to former President Buhari,” Adeboye said. “He ran with that advice, but he didn’t follow it through. Because he gave the order as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. The three months went, and the work was not done.”
The renowned preacher revealed that he later had an opportunity to discuss the issue with Buhari and questioned why the directive was not enforced after the deadline elapsed. While he acknowledged having that conversation with the former president, he declined to disclose the details of their exchange.
Adeboye stressed that meaningful progress in the fight against terrorism would require not only targeting the perpetrators of violent attacks but also dismantling the networks that provide them with financial and logistical support.
He urged the current administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that security agencies expand their operations beyond armed terrorists to include those who sponsor, fund, and facilitate criminal activities across the country.
“When giving orders to the service chiefs this time around, we should make it clear to them that they are not only to eliminate the terrorists; they should eliminate their sponsors, no matter how influential they may be,” he said.
The respected religious leader argued that terrorism cannot thrive without financial backing and support structures. According to him, ending the activities of terrorist groups requires identifying and prosecuting those who provide resources, intelligence, and protection to criminal networks.
His comments have added to the growing national conversation on how best to address Nigeria’s complex security challenges. Over the years, security experts and civil society groups have repeatedly called for a comprehensive strategy that combines military operations with intelligence gathering, economic reforms, community engagement, and stricter enforcement against terrorism financiers.
Adeboye’s intervention comes amid fresh outrage over a series of kidnappings and attacks on educational institutions in different parts of the country. In recent months, schools have once again become targets of armed groups, reviving painful memories of previous mass abductions that drew international condemnation.
One of the incidents that has generated widespread concern occurred on May 15, 2026, in Ogbomoso, Oyo State. Armed attackers invaded schools in the Oriire Local Government Area, abducting pupils, students, and teachers. The attack shocked many Nigerians and raised fresh questions about the safety of schools and learning environments across the country.
The tragedy became even more disturbing following reports that one of the abducted teachers, mathematics instructor Michael Oyedokun, was later killed by the attackers. Images and videos associated with the incident circulated widely on social media, sparking anger and calls for urgent government intervention.
The abduction in Oyo State is one among several similar incidents recorded in recent months, reinforcing fears that criminal groups continue to exploit security gaps to target vulnerable communities and institutions.
In response to the Oyo attack and other security threats, President Tinubu directed the deployment of a specialized security unit equipped with advanced rescue capabilities to intensify efforts aimed at securing the release of the kidnapped victims. The Federal Government also pledged to strengthen security operations and enhance intelligence-driven strategies to combat criminal groups.
Despite these assurances, many Nigerians remain anxious about the pace of progress in addressing insecurity. Community leaders, civil society organizations, religious bodies, and professional associations have continued to urge authorities to adopt stronger and more effective measures to safeguard lives and property.
Adeboye’s remarks resonate with a growing sentiment among citizens who believe that the country’s security crisis requires urgent and decisive action. His call for accountability among security chiefs reflects broader public demands for measurable results in the fight against terrorism, kidnapping, banditry, and other violent crimes.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with these challenges, the cleric emphasized the need for leadership, commitment, and determination in confronting those responsible for terrorizing communities. His message serves as both a warning and a call to action, urging government officials, security agencies, and stakeholders to work collectively toward restoring peace and stability across the nation.
For many Nigerians, Adeboye’s intervention underscores the urgency of the moment and highlights the growing expectation that government authorities must deliver tangible improvements in security, protect educational institutions, and ensure that citizens can live, work, and learn without fear.
