By Abigail David
President Bola Tinubu has vowed that his administration will show no mercy to bandits, kidnappers and sponsors of terrorism, warning them to surrender or face the full weight of the Nigerian state.
Speaking during his Democracy Day nationwide broadcast on Thursday, Tinubu said over 13,000 terrorists had been neutralised in the past year, while more than 124,000 fighters and their dependants had surrendered through Operation Safe Corridor since 2023.
“To bandits, kidnappers and sponsors of terror: surrender or face the full force of the Nigerian state. No mercy will be shown to those who trade in the blood of Nigerians,” the President declared.
Tinubu said Nigeria had intensified precision military operations against terrorist groups, including attacks on insurgent strongholds in Borno State, while noting that terror-related deaths had declined significantly in recent years.
He, however, acknowledged that the continued abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo and Borno states had dampened this year’s Democracy Day celebrations, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to securing their release.
The President disclosed that the 2026 budget allocates N5.41 trillion to defence and security, the largest such provision in the country’s history, alongside the recruitment of more than 50,000 police officers and thousands of military personnel.
On the economy, Tinubu highlighted improvements in government revenue, non-oil exports and agricultural investments but admitted that many Nigerians still face economic hardship. He pledged to reduce inflation, create jobs, improve electricity supply and ensure that the benefits of democracy translate into better 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,” he said.
