President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has renewed his administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity across Nigeria, declaring that bandits, kidnappers and terror sponsors must either surrender or face the full weight of state authority.
In his Democracy Day address on June 12, 2026, the President acknowledged that the country’s security challenges remain a major concern, particularly following the recent abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo and Borno states. He said the incidents had cast a shadow over this year’s celebration but assured Nigerians that efforts were being intensified to secure the country and rescue victims.
“Though this year’s mood is dampened by the abduction of our children in Oyo and Borno, we remain hopeful for their safe return,” Tinubu said. “Democracy without security is not solid enough.”
The President disclosed that his administration had declared a security emergency and approved the recruitment of more than 50,000 new police officers alongside thousands of military personnel to strengthen national security architecture. He further revealed that the 2026 national budget allocated a record ₦5.41 trillion to defence and security.
According to Tinubu, Nigeria’s security forces have recorded significant successes in the fight against terrorism and insurgency. He noted that military operations have evolved from conventional training exercises with international allies to precision-targeted operations against terror groups.
“We have moved from training with our allies, the United States, France and other European countries, to precision targeting,” he said. “In Arege, Borno State, we degraded ISWAP’s command centre.”
The President stated that terror-related deaths in Nigeria have declined significantly over the past decade, citing government figures showing an 81 per cent reduction since 2015. He added that more than 13,000 terrorists had been neutralised within the last year alone.
Despite the military gains, Tinubu said his administration would continue to provide opportunities for rehabilitation and reintegration through Operation Safe Corridor. According to him, over 124,000 former fighters and their dependents have surrendered their weapons since 2023.
However, the President delivered a stern warning to criminal groups still operating across the country.
“To bandits, kidnappers, and sponsors of terror: Surrender or face the full force of the Nigerian State,” Tinubu declared. “These windows of surrender will not remain open forever. No mercy will be shown to those who trade in the blood of Nigerians.”
Calling for national unity, Tinubu urged Nigerians not to politicise insecurity or associate criminality with ethnic or regional identities.
“At a time like this, let us not assign blame or point fingers. Crime has no ethnicity,” he said. “We must stand united and be assured that the enemies of our nation shall soon be history.”
The President linked some of the country’s security challenges to weak local governance structures, arguing that efforts to grant financial autonomy to local governments are part of a broader strategy to improve grassroots administration and strengthen security nationwide.
He stressed that securing the country remains central to the Renewed Hope Agenda and pledged that the Federal Government would continue investing heavily in security, intelligence gathering and law enforcement to protect lives and property.
Tinubu also paid tribute to members of the armed forces, police and intelligence agencies, thanking them for their sacrifices and service to the nation.
“Nigeria salutes your sacrifice,” he said.
The President expressed confidence that Nigeria would ultimately overcome its security challenges and continue on the path of democratic and economic development.
“We will triumph over terror and continue to build a more prosperous nation,” he said.
