Democracy Day: Tinubu Warns Kidnappers, Terror Sponsors to Surrender or Face Full Force of Nigerian State

ABUJA, Nigeria — President Bola Tinubu has issued a stern warning to kidnappers, bandits 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.

Speaking during his Democracy Day address on Thursday, Tinubu said the government would continue to pursue terrorists and criminal groups while keeping open a limited window for those willing to lay down their arms.

“To bandits, kidnappers, and sponsors of terror: surrender or face the full force of the Nigerian State,” the president said.

“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’s remarks come amid growing concerns over recent abductions in Oyo and Borno states, including the kidnapping of schoolchildren and teachers, incidents he acknowledged had cast a shadow over this year’s Democracy Day celebrations.

Tinubu assured Nigerians that his administration remains committed to securing the release of the victims and strengthening national security.

“Though this year’s mood is dampened by the abduction of our children in Oyo and Borno, we remain hopeful for their safe return. Democracy without security is not solid enough,” he said.

The president revealed that the federal government had declared a security emergency and approved the recruitment of more than 50,000 police officers alongside thousands of military personnel to reinforce security operations nationwide.

He added that the 2026 budget allocates N5.41 trillion to defence and security, the largest security spending package in Nigeria’s history.

Highlighting recent military gains, Tinubu said Nigerian security forces had moved beyond training exercises with international partners to carrying out precision operations against terrorist groups.

According to him, troops recently degraded a key command centre belonging to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Arege, Borno State.

The president also cited what he described as significant progress in the fight against terrorism, stating that terror-related deaths have fallen by 81 percent since 2015.

He said more than 13,000 terrorists had been neutralised within the past year, while over 124,000 fighters and their dependants had surrendered through Operation Safe Corridor since 2023.

Despite the gains, Tinubu stressed that security agencies would continue to pursue criminal elements threatening national stability.

“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.

“We will triumph over terror and continue to build a more prosperous nation.”

The president commended members of the armed forces, police, intelligence agencies, traditional rulers, faith leaders and community stakeholders for their contributions toward maintaining peace and security.

Tinubu said the government would continue to invest in intelligence gathering, military operations and community-based security initiatives as part of broader efforts to safeguard lives and property across the country.

He urged Nigerians to remain united in confronting insecurity, insisting that national cohesion remains critical to defeating terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.

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A Lagos-based journalist with a passion for disseminating factual information and a deep appreciation for good music, good food, movies, and beautiful cars. He hopes to travel the world someday, documenting its beauty and diverse cultures through his storytelling.