President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday told Nigerians assisting terrorists that they were only destroying their communities.

He also said no responsive government can ignore the role of religious and traditional rulers in tackling insecurity.

The President spoke at an Iftar dinner with religious and traditional rulers at the Presidential Villa.

The president assured that his administration would continue to count on the advice and guidance of members of the revered institutions towards improving security.

Noting that moving Nigeria forward remains a collective responsibility, he urged leaders at all levels to contribute meaningfully in making the country a better place.

Buhari described insecurity as one of the greatest challenges facing Nigeria’s existence, stressing that his administration has invested more resources than any other.


”We have acquired advanced equipment for our armed forces and the police to strengthen their capacity.

“We have made adequate budgetary allocations for security. Whatever the security agencies request I make it available to them immediately.

”The success of our armed and other security forces also depends on intelligence about the activities of bandits and terrorists.

”Those aiding and abetting terrorists are helping to destroy their own communities,” he stated.

Buhari reminded traditional and religious leaders that they have a key role to play in terms of improving intelligence gathering.