President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigerians to remain united in the face of security challenges, saying collective action and national solidarity are essential to defeating terrorism, banditry and other criminal threats confronting the country.
In his Democracy Day nationwide broadcast on friday, June 12, the President expressed optimism that ongoing security operations would ultimately restore peace and stability across the country. He urged citizens not to ethnicise crime or divide along regional lines, stressing that criminality affects all Nigerians regardless of background.
“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.”
President Tinubu warned criminal elements, including bandits, kidnappers and sponsors of terrorism, to embrace the government’s surrender programme or face decisive action from security agencies.
“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.”
While lamenting the recent abduction of children in Oyo and Borno states, the President expressed hope that the victims would be rescued safely. He noted that sustainable democracy depends on a secure environment and reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening the country’s security architecture.
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According to him, the Federal Government has declared a security emergency, approved the recruitment of more than 50,000 police officers and thousands of military personnel, and allocated a record N5.41 trillion to defence and security in the 2026 budget.
The President highlighted gains recorded in the fight against insurgency, revealing that security forces had intensified precision operations against terrorist groups, including the destruction of an ISWAP command centre in Arege, Borno State.
“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. That is why this administration declared a security emergency and approved the recruitment of more than 50,000 new police officers and thousands of military recruits. Our 2026 budget commits N5.41 trillion—our largest ever—to defence and security. Our administration is ever ready to do much more to secure our people.
“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. Terror-related deaths are down by 81% since 2015. Over 13,000 terrorists have been neutralised in the past year. But we also keep the door of surrender open. Over 124,000 fighters and dependents have laid down their arms since 2023 through Operation Safe Corridor.”
President Tinubu also linked insecurity to weaknesses in local governance, arguing that effective administration at the grassroots level is vital to maintaining peace and supporting development.
He commended the armed forces, police, intelligence agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders and community stakeholders for their contributions to national security and social cohesion.
The President further acknowledged the roles played by labour leaders, journalists, students, women, professionals and political actors in sustaining Nigeria’s democratic journey, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to protecting lives, strengthening national unity and advancing development across the country.
