General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor E.A. Adeboye, has issued a strong advisory to the Nigerian Government, urging President Bola Tinubu to take immediate and decisive action against terrorists operating across the country as well as the powerful individuals sponsoring them.
Speaking during the November Holy Ghost Service on Friday, Adeboye stressed that Nigeria must confront and dismantle terrorist networks internally before any possible United States military intervention comes into effect, following the recent warnings issued by U.S. President Donald Trump.
Adeboye Calls for a Three-Month Deadline
The respected cleric urged President Tinubu to issue a firm three-month ultimatum to the newly appointed service chiefs. According to him, the chiefs must demonstrate tangible progress in eliminating terrorists and cutting off their sources of funding. If they fail to deliver within that period, Adeboye advised that they should voluntarily resign from office.
“This is not about blaming anyone,” he said. “Our President met this problem on ground; it did not start with him. Now is the time for action, not excuses.”
Lessons From the Buhari Administration
Adeboye recalled that during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, he privately advised for similar firm action when the nation’s killings worsened. Buhari issued an ultimatum to his service chiefs following the advice, but Adeboye noted that the deadline passed without significant change.
“He acted on that advice, but after three months, nothing was done,” he said, expressing concern that Nigeria cannot afford a repeat of such inaction at this critical time.
“Target Terrorists and Their Sponsors”
The cleric emphasized that the fight must go beyond chasing armed militants in the bushes. He insisted that the government must confront their financiers — individuals who, according to him, may be highly connected or influential but must still be held accountable.
“When giving orders this time, it must be clear: eliminate the terrorists and their sponsors, no matter who they are or how powerful they may be,” Adeboye stated.
Growing Pressure Amid U.S. Threats
Adeboye’s message comes at a time of heightened tension after U.S. President Donald Trump accused Nigeria’s government of failing to curb the killing of Christians and warned of possible U.S. intervention if the situation continues unchecked.
His remarks reflect rising domestic and international pressure on the Nigerian government to take aggressive steps against insecurity, which has persisted for more than a decade and expanded into several regions of the country.
Adeboye’s call reinforces the urgency for Nigeria to confront terrorism comprehensively — not only by fighting insurgents on the battlefield but also by dismantling the financial and political networks enabling them to thrive.