Democracy Day: Tinubu Issues Tough Warning to Terrorists, Kidnappers, Bandits

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has vowed to intensify Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and insurgency, declaring that criminal groups threatening the nation’s security must either surrender or face decisive action from the state.

Speaking during his Democracy Day address on June 12, the President said security remains one of the most pressing challenges confronting the country, stressing that democratic gains can only thrive in an atmosphere of safety and stability.

Tinubu expressed concern over the recent abduction of children in parts of Oyo and Borno states, describing the incidents as painful reminders of the work still ahead in securing the country.

“Democracy without security is not solid enough,” the President said, noting that his administration had declared a security emergency and approved the recruitment of more than 50,000 police officers alongside thousands of additional military personnel to strengthen the nation’s security architecture.

He revealed that the Federal Government has earmarked ₦5.41 trillion for defence and security in the 2026 budget, the largest allocation to the sector in the country’s history.

Highlighting recent military operations, Tinubu said security forces had shifted from largely training exercises with international partners to more targeted operations against terrorist networks. He cited the disruption of an ISWAP command centre in Arege, Borno State, as one of the notable successes recorded by security agencies.

The President also pointed to what he described as significant progress in the fight against insurgency, stating that terror-related deaths have fallen sharply over the years and that thousands of terrorists had been neutralised during operations in the past year.

At the same time, he emphasized that the government would continue to offer a path to rehabilitation for those willing to lay down their arms. According to him, more than 124,000 former fighters and their dependents have surrendered through the Operation Safe Corridor programme since 2023.

However, Tinubu reserved his strongest remarks for armed groups still involved in violence, kidnapping and banditry.

He warned that the opportunity for surrender would not remain open indefinitely, insisting that those responsible for shedding innocent blood would face the full weight of the law.

The President also urged Nigerians to remain united in confronting insecurity, cautioning against ethnic or regional narratives that could divide the country. He maintained that criminality knows no tribe or religion and called on citizens to support ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability across the nation.

“We must stand together,” he said, expressing confidence that Nigeria would ultimately overcome terrorism, banditry and other security threats.