By Joseph Erunke, Abuja

The Hope Alive Initiative (HAI) has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what it described as strong, courageous, and focused leadership in confronting Nigeria’s escalating security challenges.

In a statement signed by its Director of Media and Communications, Ernest Omoarelojie, the group said the President has consistently demonstrated urgency, clarity, and political will in addressing violent crimes and restoring public confidence.

According to HAI, Nigeria has in recent weeks experienced one of its most tense security periods in years, with multiple cases of abductions and armed attacks across several states. It noted, however, that President Tinubu responded with both assertiveness and practical actions prioritising citizens’ safety.

The group highlighted Tinubu’s decision to cancel scheduled international engagements to focus on domestic security issues — a move it described as “leading from the front.”

It also pointed to the administration’s coordinated response to mass abductions in Kebbi, Kwara, and Niger states. These efforts led to the rescue of abducted victims in Kebbi and Kwara, as well as dozens in Niger State, alongside the arrest of a major terrorist kingpin in Taraba.

HAI further commended the establishment of a central security coordination room under the President’s direct supervision, integrating intelligence, military, police, and diplomatic agencies to enable real-time strategy and rapid deployment of resources.

In a broader push for reform, the group praised Tinubu’s approval for the recruitment of thousands of additional police officers, the redeployment of military personnel to frontline duties, and the reassignment of police officers from VIP protection to national security operations — measures it described as key to strengthening community policing.

“These rescues show tangible security improvements and reinforce public confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership,” the group stated.

It also lauded high-level diplomatic engagements, including talks with U.S. officials led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and regional consultations in Niger Republic by Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar. According to the group, these efforts will bolster regional cooperation against terrorism and cross-border crime.

HAI further cited judicial and law enforcement progress, noting thousands of successful prosecutions for violent crimes between 2022 and 2024, as well as ongoing investigations by the National Human Rights Commission into religiously motivated attacks.

“These are challenging times,” HAI said, “but Nigeria is fortunate to have a resolute leader in President Tinubu — bold and courageous enough to confront the challenges head-on. Over time, the nation will reap the benefits of his proactive security leadership.”