'Nigeria Is Bigger Than Any Terrorist' — Borno Students Declare as They Rally Behind Troops

Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.

Hundreds of students, youth groups, and civil society organisations from across Borno State on Sunday, 12 July 2026, staged a massive peaceful solidarity rally in Maiduguri, declaring unwavering support for Nigeria's security agencies in the fight against Boko Haram, ISWAP, banditry, and other violent criminal groups, while calling on Nigerians to reject terrorism and embrace national unity as the country's strongest defence against violent extremism. The rally, held at the Post Office Roundabout in the Borno State capital, attracted students from the University of Maiduguri, Borno State University, Ramat Polytechnic, Mohammed Lawan College of Agriculture, and other tertiary institutions, as well as community-based organisations and social clubs.

Participants carried placards bearing inscriptions such as "United Against Terrorism," "Support Our Troops," "Enough is Enough," "Peace is Our Right," and "Nigeria Must Win," as they urged Nigerians to unite against violent extremism and support ongoing counter-insurgency operations. The demonstrators commended the Armed Forces, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), and other security personnel for their efforts in combating terrorism and restoring peace. They also urged Nigerians to support ongoing security operations by remaining vigilant and cooperating with security agencies.

Speaking during the rally, student leader Suleiman Muhammad Sarki called on Nigerians to reject terrorism and promote national unity, stressing that the fight against terrorism was not for government alone but required the support of every Nigerian. He also warned against the payment of ransom to kidnappers, bandits, and terrorists, stating that such actions only strengthen their operations. A law student at the rally maintained that national unity remained Nigeria's strongest defence against terrorism, declaring that terrorists want to divide Nigerians along ethnic and religious lines and that citizens must deny them that victory by standing together as one nation. Another student, Aisha Ibrahim of the University of Maiduguri, said the fight against terrorism should not be left to security agencies alone, urging citizens to contribute through vigilance, intelligence sharing, and the promotion of peaceful coexistence.

Students of the Mohammed Lawan College of Agriculture called for increased government investment in communities affected by insurgency, stressing that restoring farming activities would enhance food security and accelerate recovery. A student of education emphasised the need for schools to continue promoting tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and respect for human life, describing education as one of the strongest tools against violent extremism. Students of Ramat Polytechnic praised the resilience of communities affected by insurgency, noting that many residents had rebuilt their lives despite years of violence. Others urged Nigerians to verify information before sharing it on social media, warning that misinformation could undermine security operations and create unnecessary panic.

Several speakers commended troops serving under Operation HADIN KAI and other security formations, acknowledging the sacrifices made by security personnel in the fight against insurgency. The students also called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, and the media to intensify public enlightenment campaigns against violent extremism, noting that addressing terrorism requires not only military operations but also sustained investment in education, youth empowerment, community policing, intelligence sharing, and post-conflict reconstruction. The rally featured prayers for civilians and security personnel who lost their lives in the fight against terrorism, as well as prayers for the safety of troops currently serving in operational theatres. The students reaffirmed their commitment to supporting security agencies and working towards lasting peace in the region. As one participant put it: "Nigeria is bigger than any terrorist, and together we shall overcome."

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