The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has called on the Federal Government to issue a firm directive to Nigeria’s security chiefs, demanding the elimination of terrorists within 90 days or their resignation from office.
Adeboye made the remarks in a video shared via his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday, where he expressed deep concern over the country’s worsening insecurity and rising violent attacks in different regions.
He stressed that accountability should be central to the fight against terrorism, insisting that those in charge of national security must be assessed based on results.
According to him, security chiefs should be given clear targets and held responsible for delivering outcomes in the battle against insurgency.
He said, “You can only advise the commander-in-chief. You can’t command him, because if you command the commander-in-chief, then you become the commander of the commander-in-chief. That doesn’t make sense.
“But I’ve tried. And God is my witness. I don’t want to take much of your time.
“What should we do now? I’m talking to you as my children. If I were asked to make suggestions, I would say quietly to our government, move fast. And tell our security chiefs, get rid of these terrorists within 90 days, or resign.”
The cleric further emphasized that efforts should not only focus on neutralizing terrorist groups but also extend to those who finance and support them, regardless of their social or political standing.
He said, “When giving orders to the service chiefs this time around, we should make it clear to them that they are not only to eliminate the terrorists; they should eliminate their sponsors, no matter how influential they may be.”
Adeboye also referenced a past directive reportedly given by a former Nigerian president, who had instructed security chiefs to eliminate Boko Haram within three months or step down.
He said, “There was a president, unfortunately he’s dead now… who called the service chiefs together and said, I give you three months. Get rid of all these Boko Haram people, or resign.”
He added, “He ran with that advice, but he didn’t follow it through… because he gave the order as the commander-in-chief of the armed forces. But security operatives moved fast.”
Adeboye noted that he later had a private encounter with the late president after the expiration of the ultimatum, saying the experience reinforced his belief in strict accountability within the security system.
He said, “So I went to see him… this time, somehow, the press got to know that I visited him… unfortunately, like I said, he’s not alive now.”
The cleric maintained that his position remains unchanged: that security leaders must be tasked not only with dismantling terrorist groups but also with going after those who support them “no matter how influential they may be.”
The message originally surfaced in November 2025 during the Holy Ghost Service, where Adeboye spoke while reacting to comments linked to then United States President Donald Trump on religious violence in Nigeria.
The renewed attention on the remarks followed criticism from social media users who accused the cleric of remaining silent on Nigeria’s security challenges.
A viral video by a woman content creator questioned the role of prominent religious leaders in speaking out against insecurity and alleged that a planned protest by members of the Redeemed Christian Church of God over recent abductions in Oyo State had been halted.
The criticism sparked widespread debate online, prompting the resurfacing of Adeboye’s earlier comments calling for stronger action against terrorism and greater accountability from security agencies.
Meanwhile, RCCG has dismissed claims that the cleric discouraged lawful civic engagement or was acting on behalf of any political interest.