The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has called on the Federal Government to set a 90-day ultimatum for Nigeria’s service chiefs to eliminate terrorists and restore security in the country, or step down from office.
Adeboye made the appeal in a video message shared on his official X handle on Tuesday, expressing deep concern over the escalating wave of insecurity across Nigeria, including terrorism, banditry, and kidnappings.
According to him, security leaders must be held accountable for measurable results in the fight against violent extremism, arguing that continued attacks on communities demand urgent and decisive action from authorities.
The cleric said, “You can only advise the commander-in-chief. You can’t command him… But I’ve tried. And God is my witness. I don’t want to take much of your time. What should we do now? I’m talking to you as my children. 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.”
He further urged that government directives to security agencies should not only focus on neutralising terrorists but also on dismantling the networks and sponsors behind them, regardless of their influence or status.
“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.
Adeboye also referenced a past instance in which a former Nigerian president reportedly issued a similar directive to security chiefs, giving them a three-month deadline to end Boko Haram insurgency or resign, noting that although the order prompted swift action, it was not fully sustained after the deadline elapsed.
He added that his own counsel to government stems from previous experiences and a continued concern about national security challenges.
His remarks come amid renewed public anxiety over persistent attacks by armed groups in several parts of the country, with growing calls from religious and civic leaders for stronger and more coordinated security responses.
