President Bola Tinubu has warned terrorists, kidnappers, and sponsors of insecurity to surrender or face elimination.
He added that “no mercy will be shown to those who trade in the blood of Nigerians.”
Speaking in a televised broadcast to mark the 2026 Democracy Day celebration on Friday, the president said the government’s window for surrender would not remain open indefinitely.
On the recent abduction of children and tutors in Oyo and Borno states, Tinubu said the country remains hopeful that they will return safely.
He said this was why his administration declared an emergency on security and approved the recruitment of more than 50,000 police officers and thousands of military personnel.
“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,” Tinubu said.
“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 per cent since 2015.
“More than 13,000 terrorists have been neutralised in the past year. But we also keep the door to surrender open. Over 124,000 fighters and dependants have laid down their arms since 2023 through Operation Safe Corridor.”
Tinubu urged Nigerians to remain united and avoid blaming any ethnic group for criminal activities, adding that the country would triumph over terrorism and continue to build a prosperous nation.
He also commended the various security agencies for their efforts in protecting the country.
“To our armed forces, police, and intelligence services: Nigeria salutes your sacrifice,” he said.
“To our traditional rulers, faith leaders, and community heads: thank you for your support of peace and reconciliation. The government cannot do it alone.”
