Addressing the media after observing the Eid prayer at the Presidential Villa on Thursday, May 13, 2021, the president said his government is doing its best to restore peace in the country.

The president lauded his administration for dealing with insecurity in the northeast and south-south regions when he became president in 2015 but noted that the insecurity in the northwest surprised him. He said, “I expect Nigerians to be more understanding on the issues involved, looking at the time and available resources.

“For example, when we came in, in the Northeast, ask people in Adamawa and Borno States, and the South-South in terms of security.

“Without security, you can’t do anything. Our big surprise and disappointment are what is happening in the northwest and we are dealing with it.”

Bandits have plagued many parts of the northern region, especially over the past year, killing thousands, kidnapping many for ransom, and displacing tens of thousands from their local communities.

Buhari said the series of security meetings he chaired over the past week will contribute significantly to tackling insecurity in the country.

He also called on the nation’s elite to be more empathetic and support the government’s efforts.

“With the resources and manpower available to us, we are working very hard. We are hoping Nigerians will understand the problem.

“Nigerians know at what stage we came in in 2015, what state we are today both on security and the economy and we are doing our best,” he said.

The president vowed that his administration will use all available resources and manpower to deal with the bandits.