President Bola Tinubu has issued a stern warning to bandits, kidnappers and sponsors of terrorism, declaring that they must surrender or face the full force of the Nigerian state, as his administration intensifies efforts to tackle insecurity across the country.
Key Highlights:
Speaking in a nationwide Democracy Day broadcast commemorating Nigeria’s 27th consecutive year of democratic governance, Tinubu said significant progress had been made in the fight against terrorism and violent crime, while emphasizing that the government would not relent until peace is restored nationwide.
According to the President, security forces have neutralised more than 13,000 terrorists over the past year, while over 124,000 fighters and their family members have surrendered through the government’s Operation Safe Corridor programme since 2023.
Delivering a strong message to criminal elements, Tinubu said the opportunity for surrender would not remain open indefinitely.
Read Also:
- Tinubu to Youths: “Nigeria is your home” as he urges halt to japa migration wave
- Democracy Day: Tinubu highlights power sector reforms, says Nigeria moving from energy crisis to stability
- Breaking: Tinubu intervenes in Warri ward delineation dispute as Gov. Oborevwori hails peace deal
“To bandits, kidnappers and sponsors of terror: Surrender or face the full force of the Nigerian State. These windows of surrender will not remain open forever. No mercy will be shown to those who trade in the blood of Nigerians,” he declared.
Despite the reported security gains, the President acknowledged that this year’s Democracy Day celebration was clouded by the continued captivity of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in parts of Oyo and Borno states.
Tinubu disclosed that his administration had declared a security emergency, approved the recruitment of more than 50,000 police officers alongside thousands of military personnel, and allocated a record ₦5.41 trillion to defence and security in the 2026 budget.
The President also highlighted recent military successes against terrorist groups, including operations targeting ISWAP enclaves in Borno State. He noted that Nigeria had strengthened its counter-terrorism capacity, moving from training exercises with international partners to conducting precision operations against insurgent strongholds.
On national unity, Tinubu urged Nigerians not to link criminal activities to any ethnic or religious group, stressing that insecurity remains a national challenge requiring collective action.
“At a time like this, let us not assign blame or point fingers. Crime has no ethnicity. We must stand united and be assured that the enemies of our nation shall soon be history,” he said.
Beyond security, the President used the occasion to highlight ongoing economic reforms, pointing to increased government revenues, growth in non-oil exports, investments in agriculture and efforts to improve electricity supply across the country.
While acknowledging the economic hardship facing many citizens, Tinubu assured Nigerians that his administration remains focused on reducing inflation, creating jobs, boosting food production and improving living standards.
“We are moving from uncertainty to stability. The next phase is about accelerating growth and ensuring the benefits are felt in every home, every community and every region. Democracy must be felt in the pocket,” the President stated.
The Democracy Day address comes as the administration seeks to consolidate security gains and economic reforms amid growing public expectations for improved living conditions and national stability.
