Uyo, December 26, 2025 – The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has expressed strong confidence that the twin scourges of banditry and insurgency will be decisively defeated in Nigeria starting from 2026. He called for a united national effort to achieve peace and security.
Akpabio made the declaration on Friday during a prayer and fasting service organised for his family at the Methodist Church Nigeria, Cathedral of Unity, in his hometown of Ukana Ikot Ntuen, Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
A Message of Hope and Collective Action
Addressing the congregation, Senator Akpabio framed his message around the hope of the Christmas season and the promise of the New Year.
“I want to wish all Nigerians a very prosperous and peaceful New Year. I want to assure Nigerians that the New Year will usher in renewed peace in our country,” he stated.
He connected the spiritual significance of Christmas to the nation’s current challenges. “Reflecting on the significance of the Christmas season, Akpabio said the birth of Jesus Christ symbolises redemption and hope, adding that Nigeria would experience freedom from banditry and insurgency in the coming year.”
Call for National Unity and Support for Government
The Senate President emphasised that achieving this security goal requires a collective national resolve. He urged citizens to “set aside their differences, embrace peace and promote unity within their families, states and across the country,” stressing that “national development can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace.”
Akpabio specifically called on Nigerians, irrespective of political affiliation, to rally behind the administration of President Bola Tinubu. He pointed to the government’s ongoing efforts and noted that “renewed collaboration with international partners would further strengthen the fight against banditry and insurgency.”
This comment follows recent precision airstrikes against terrorist targets in Sokoto State, which the Federal Government confirmed were carried out with international cooperation and resulted in no civilian casualties.
Focus on Family as Foundation for Peace
The event, an annual family tradition held every December 26, also focused on familial bonds. Akpabio described family unity as “the foundation for peace, progress and collective success in society.”
His wife, Mrs. Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, echoed this sentiment, encouraging family members to “support one another selflessly, set aside personal differences and live together in love and harmony.”
The head of the Greater Akpabio Family, Chief Ekan Akpabio, urged relatives in public service to remain connected to their roots and prioritise the welfare of their kin.
The Senate President’s optimistic forecast provides a high-level political endorsement of the government’s security strategy and sets a public expectation for measurable progress in the nation’s fight against violent extremism and criminality in the coming year.
