President Bola Tinubu has issued a stern warning to bandits, kidnappers and sponsors of terrorism, declaring that they must surrender or face decisive action from the Nigerian government.
The President delivered the warning on Thursday during his nationwide broadcast to commemorate 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule in Nigeria, marking this year’s Democracy Day celebration.
Tinubu said while the government remains open to accepting the surrender of insurgents willing to abandon violence, such opportunities would not remain available indefinitely.
“To bandits, kidnappers, and sponsors of terror: Surrender or face the full force of the Nigerian State,” the President declared.
“These windows of surrender will not remain open forever. No mercy will be shown to those who trade in the blood of Nigerians.”
The President disclosed that terror-related deaths in Nigeria have fallen by 81 per cent since 2015, while security forces neutralised more than 13,000 terrorists within the past year.
According to him, Nigeria has shifted from conventional military training exercises with international allies to more precise and intelligence-driven operations.
“We have moved from training with our allies, the United States, France and other European countries, to precision targeting. In Arege, Borno State, we degraded ISWAP’s command centre,” he said.
Tinubu added that more than 124,000 fighters and their dependants have surrendered through the government’s Operation Safe Corridor initiative since 2023.
Addressing the recent abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo and Borno states, the President acknowledged the pain and anxiety experienced by affected families.
“Though this year’s mood is dampened by the abduction of our children in Oyo and Borno, we remain hopeful for their safe return,” he stated.
“Democracy without security is a mirage.”
He disclosed that his administration had declared a security emergency and approved the recruitment of over 50,000 additional police officers alongside thousands of military personnel to strengthen national security.
Tinubu further revealed that the 2026 budget allocates N5.41 trillion to defence and security, describing it as the largest security allocation in Nigeria’s history.
At the same time, the President appealed to Nigerians to remain united in the face of security challenges.
“Crime has no ethnicity,” he said.
“At a time like this, let us not assign blame or point fingers. We must stand united and be assured that the enemies of our nation shall soon be history.”
Beyond security, Tinubu reflected on Nigeria’s democratic journey since the return to civilian rule in 1999.
“Today, we celebrate not only democracy but also the enduring Nigerian spirit,” he said.
“For 27 unbroken years, Nigerians have chosen their leaders through the ballot, witnessed peaceful transitions of power, and resolved disagreements in courtrooms and legislative chambers, not through violence.”
The President urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), political parties and security agencies to ensure peaceful and credible elections in Ekiti and Osun states.
He also called on young Nigerians to actively participate in nation-building.
“To our young people: Nigeria is your home and your future. Build here, code here, work here, and vote here. Every great nation was built by those who stayed to solve problems, not by those who abandoned ship,” he said.
Tinubu defended his administration’s economic reforms, describing them as necessary decisions aimed at securing Nigeria’s long-term prosperity.
He said reforms introduced since 2023 had improved fiscal transparency, increased federation revenues and restored investor confidence.
The President highlighted gains in agriculture, energy, manufacturing, technology, mining and the creative sector, while acknowledging that many Nigerians still face economic hardship.
“Yet, many Nigerians still face economic hardship. We remain focused on reducing inflation, expanding food production, creating jobs, improving living standards, rebuilding confidence in our economy, and creating conditions for sustainable prosperity,” he said.
He added that democracy must ultimately improve the lives of ordinary citizens.
“We believe that democracy must be felt in the pocket,” Tinubu stated.
As part of the Democracy Day celebration, the President announced plans to confer national honours on dozens of individuals who played significant roles during the June 12 democratic struggle.
He paid tribute to the heroes of the June 12 movement, including Chief M.K.O. Abiola, Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, Chief Gani Fawehinmi and several others who sacrificed for Nigeria’s democratic journey.
“June 12 revealed the possibility of a true Nigerian nation,” Tinubu said.
“The heroes of June 12 secured political freedom. Our challenge is to secure economic freedom.”
He concluded by urging Nigerians to reject division and despair while embracing unity and hope.
“June 12 reminds us: Nigerians do not break. We bend, we bleed, but we do not break,” the President said.
“Let us renew our covenant that the labours of our heroes past shall never be in vain, and that government of the people, by the people and for the people shall not perish from this land.”
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