By Sabiu Abdullahi
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a stern warning to bandits, kidnappers and sponsors of terrorism across the country, urging them to surrender or face decisive action from the Nigerian government.
The President delivered the warning on Thursday during a nationwide broadcast to commemorate 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule in Nigeria.
In his Democracy Day address, Tinubu said the government would continue to pursue both military operations and rehabilitation programmes for repentant fighters, but stressed that the opportunity for surrender would not remain available indefinitely.
“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 said.
Highlighting security efforts by his administration, the President stated that terror-related fatalities had declined significantly since 2015. He also disclosed that more than 13,000 terrorists were neutralised within the last year, while over 124,000 fighters and their dependents had surrendered through Operation Safe Corridor since 2023.
According to him, security remains a major priority of his government, especially in light of recent kidnappings in Oyo and Borno states.
“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 a mirage,” Tinubu said.
He noted that the government had declared a security emergency, approved the recruitment of more than 50,000 police officers and thousands of military personnel, and allocated N5.41 trillion to defence and security in the 2026 budget.
The President also spoke about recent military gains against insurgents, including operations in Borno State.
“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 stated.
Tinubu called on Nigerians to remain united in the fight against insecurity and warned against ethnic profiling.
“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. We will triumph over terror and continue to build a more prosperous nation,” he said.
Beyond security, the President reflected on Nigeria’s democratic journey since the return to civilian rule in 1999. He described June 12 as a defining moment in the nation’s history and paid tribute to individuals who played key roles in the struggle for democracy.
“June 12 occupies a sacred place in our national memory. It represents more than an election; it is a defining chapter in our story,” he said.
The President honoured the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola, Alhaja Kudirat Abiola and several other democracy activists, politicians, journalists and civil society leaders whose sacrifices, he said, helped secure democratic governance in Nigeria.
Tinubu also announced national honours for dozens of pro-democracy figures and disclosed that the Federal Government had approved the revitalisation and renaming of the Institute of Petroleum Studies in Kaduna as the General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua University of Geological Sciences and Engineering Technology.
On the economy, the President defended ongoing reforms introduced by his administration. He said the measures had improved government revenues, strengthened investor confidence and boosted investments across key sectors of the economy.
He acknowledged that many Nigerians still face economic difficulties but assured citizens that his administration remains committed to reducing inflation, creating jobs, improving food production and raising 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. We believe that Democracy must be felt in the pocket,” he said.
Tinubu also urged young Nigerians to contribute to national development and participate actively in the democratic process.
“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.
As Ekiti and Osun prepare for upcoming elections, the President called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and political parties to ensure peaceful and credible polls.
He concluded by encouraging Nigerians to remain hopeful despite current challenges.
“Fellow Nigerians, 27 years ago, many doubted democracy would survive here because of our diversity. Today, our diversity sustains our democracy. The road ahead is steep. But June 12 reminds us: Nigerians do not break. We bend, we bleed, but we do not break,” Tinubu said.