President Goodluck Jonathan has a direct message to the Boko Haram terrorists, who have launched what he described as an unprecedented war of terror on some parts of the country: They will not succeed.

The president said this in his 54th Independence anniversary speech, broadcast nationwide on Wednesday and appealed to the terrorists to disarm and embrace peace.

The abducted school girls: they have been away for more than five months

The President said his administration is committed to making Nigeria safe for all Nigerians and applauded the efforts of the armed forces in combating the insurgency, now five years old.

“My gratitude goes out to our armed forces whose will has been greatly challenged by this insurgency more than any other time, since the civil war.

“Yet, they have remained undaunted and unwearied in the face of constant challenge and mortal danger. Driven by patriotic zeal, they are turning the tide by their prowess and determination. As Commander-in-Chief, I will continue to do all it takes to enable them to keep on inflicting devastating blows at the heart of terror.”

The speech was however silent on the fate of 219 teenage schoolgirls kidnapped by Boko Haram gunmen since 14 April, 2014 from Chibok Girls Secondary School, in Borno state.

The bizarre kidnap has bred a #bringbackourgirls campaign globally, with the administration and its armed forces taunted about their impotence in rescuing the girls.

The speech spoke about the government’s efforts to offer palliatives to the victims of terror.

Read the full speech here: 2014 Independence Day Broadcast by