President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged Nigerians to intensify prayers for the nation’s military and security agencies, particularly those confronting terrorism and banditry across the country.

Tinubu, who led dignitaries from within and outside the government to observe this year’s Eid al-Adha Eid prayers, also called on citizens to show compassion and unity during the Eid al-Adha celebration.

Speaking to journalists after observing the Eid al-Adha prayers at the Dodan Barracks Eid Ground in Ikoyi, Lagos, Tinubu stressed the need for “solidarity, love, and remembrance of the sacrifices made by security operatives to ensure peace and stability in Nigeria.”

In a statement released Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the president said, “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.”

He stressed the critical role of the military and called for nationwide prayers in their support. 

“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.”

Sermonising, the Chief Imam called on Nigerians to emulate the sacrificial spirit of Prophet Abraham and serve the nation selflessly.

“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.

“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 said.

The president was accompanied to the prayer ground by several high-profile dignitaries, including the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar; the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola; the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Muhammed Matawalle; the Deputy Governor of Lagos state, Femi Hamzat, and the former governor of Lagos state, Babatunde Fashola.

Others present at the Eid ground were the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the speaker of the Lagos state House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa; the President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; the Chairman of the BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu; and the Group Chief Executive of Oando, Wale Tinubu.