We must pray for our Military, Security Agencies to keep us safe – Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu on Friday called on Nigerians to remember the country’s military and security agencies in their prayers, particularly those actively confronting terrorists, bandits, and other threats to national peace.

The President made the appeal after joining fellow Muslims to observe Eid-al-Adha prayers at the Eid Ground in Dodan Barracks, Lagos.

The call was disclosed in a statement shared on X by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

Tinubu said the festive period was a time not just for celebration but also for compassion and reflection, urging citizens to show love to their neighbours and extend kindness to the most vulnerable in society.

“We should remember to pray and give to those who are very vulnerable in the spirit of the season, which is sacrifice. We must unite, remain our brothers’ keeper, and give to our neighbours. We should show love to everyone,” the President said.

He further stressed the need for special prayers for security personnel risking their lives daily to secure the country.

“We must also pray hard for our troops to keep us safe. They are making sacrifices in the challenges that we face from terrorism and banditry today. We must pray for them specifically, remember their sacrifices, and continue to behave well as citizens,” Tinubu added.

The Chief Imam of Lagos State, Suleiman Oluwatoyin Abu-Nola, while delivering the Eid sermon, called on Muslims to reflect on the essence of sacrifice as demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim.

“The whole essence of today is sacrifice. We must learn to make sacrifices for our family, nation, and community. We must render our service to Allah, not men,” the cleric said.

He equally advised Nigerians to live in harmony, embrace peace, and look after the poor and vulnerable among them.

“If we are to see the Nigeria of our dreams, we must be ready to make sacrifices. We must unite as Nigerians to make progress. We must rise above tribal sentiments. Whether you are Igbo, Yoruba, or Hausa, we must live above ethnic sentiments,” he urged.

Several dignitaries joined President Tinubu at the prayer ground, including the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar; Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola; Minister of State for Defence, Bello Muhammed Matawalle; Lagos Deputy Governor, Femi Hamzat; former Lagos Governor, Babatunde Fashola; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; and Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa.

Business leaders such as Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Abdul Samad Rabiu, Wale Tinubu, and long-time Tinubu ally, Prof. Shaffideen Amuwo, were also in attendance.