TINUBU WARNS TERROR SPONSORS, SAYS BANDITS MUST SURRENDER OR FACE FULL FORCE OF NIGERIAN STATE

TINUBU WARNS TERROR SPONSORS, SAYS BANDITS MUST SURRENDER OR FACE FULL FORCE OF NIGERIAN STATE

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a stern warning to bandits, kidnappers, and financiers of terrorism across Nigeria, declaring that individuals involved in acts of terror must surrender immediately or face decisive action from the Federal Government.

The President made this known on Friday during his nationwide address to commemorate Nigeria’s 2026 Democracy Day celebration, marking the country’s 27th consecutive year of democratic governance.

In the address, Tinubu vowed that his administration would show no mercy to those responsible for killings, kidnappings, and other violent crimes threatening national security.

According to the President, the government has significantly intensified its fight against terrorism, revealing that more than 13,000 terrorists have been neutralized within the past year through ongoing military operations across different parts of the country.

He stated that security forces have moved beyond strategic partnerships and training exercises with international allies to executing precision-based operations aimed at dismantling terrorist networks.

Tinubu disclosed that one of the major operations recently targeted insurgent activities in Arege, Borno State, where security forces reportedly weakened the operational base of ISWAP fighters.

The President also noted that terror-related deaths in Nigeria have reduced by 81 percent since 2015, describing the development as a sign of progress in the nation’s long-running battle against insecurity.

Addressing criminal groups directly, Tinubu said the government has left open an opportunity for those willing to surrender, but warned that such options would not remain available indefinitely.

He revealed that through Operation Safe Corridor, more than 124,000 fighters and their dependents have laid down their arms since 2023, as part of rehabilitation and reintegration efforts.

On strengthening security institutions, Tinubu said the Federal Government allocated ₦5.41 trillion to defense and security in the 2026 budget, describing it as the country’s largest security allocation aimed at tackling terrorism and organized crime.

The President further announced the approval for the recruitment of over 50,000 new police officers alongside thousands of military personnel, a move designed to improve national security coverage for Nigeria’s growing population.

Tinubu acknowledged that this year’s Democracy Day celebration comes amid concerns over the continued abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo and Borno states, expressing hope for their safe return.

He stressed that democracy cannot thrive without adequate security and urged Nigerians to remain united against criminal elements, warning against attaching ethnic or religious identities to acts of crime.

The President said criminals should not be protected by ethnic sentiments, insisting that national unity remains critical in overcoming insecurity.

Beyond security, Tinubu also addressed the country’s electricity challenges, explaining that his administration inherited a fragile power sector marked by poor generation capacity, weak transmission infrastructure, and significant metering deficits.

He highlighted reforms already introduced, including the implementation of the Electricity Act, which now grants states authority to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity independently.

According to him, the Federal Government has also authorized efforts to raise a ₦4 trillion bond to settle legacy debts in the power sector, while expanding rural electrification projects in partnership with international development institutions.

Speaking on the economy, Tinubu said federation revenue has improved while investor confidence is gradually returning across major sectors including agriculture, technology, energy, manufacturing, transportation, and mining.

He revealed that non-oil exports recorded a 21 percent increase last year, while over 1,000 small and medium-scale businesses have been certified for export activities.

Despite these developments, the President admitted that many Nigerians are still facing economic hardship, assuring citizens that his administration remains focused on reducing inflation, boosting food production, creating jobs, and improving living conditions nationwide.

Tinubu maintained that the government’s next priority is accelerating economic growth while ensuring that democratic governance delivers measurable benefits to citizens across every region of the country.