Tinubu Orders Terrorists and Bandits to Surrender or Face Consequences
President Bola Tinubu has issued a stark ultimatum to terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers operating in Nigeria, demanding their immediate surrender or threatening them with the "full force of the Nigerian State." The President delivered this strong message during his Democracy Day address on Friday, June 12, 2026, marking 27 years of uninterrupted civilian rule. He emphasized that the government is resolute in its commitment to national security and will show no mercy to those who engage in violence and sow fear across the country. "These windows of surrender will not remain open forever. No mercy will be shown to those who trade in the blood of Nigerians," President Tinubu declared [2, 3, 5, 6].
This directive comes amid ongoing security challenges, including recent abductions that have heightened national concern [3]. President Tinubu reaffirmed that "democracy without security is a mirage" and highlighted the administration's efforts to combat insurgency and terrorism. He noted a significant decline in terror-related deaths by 81% since 2015, with over 13,000 terrorists neutralized in the past year. Additionally, more than 124,000 fighters and their dependents have surrendered through Operation Safe Corridor since 2023 [2, 3]. The President also pointed to successes in degrading the command structure of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Arege, Borno State [2, 3].
To bolster national security, the administration has declared a security emergency and approved the recruitment of over 50,000 new police officers and thousands of military personnel. The 2026 budget allocates a record N5.41 trillion to defense and security [3, 6]. President Tinubu also stressed the importance of national unity in tackling insecurity, urging citizens not to politicize criminal activities or view them through ethnic or regional lenses [2]. He assured Nigerians that the government remains committed to protecting lives and property and securing the nation's territorial integrity [13].
The President also acknowledged the sacrifices of security forces, commending their efforts in combating terrorism and other threats across the country. He recognized the challenges they face in difficult terrains and honored those who have made the supreme sacrifice in defense of Nigeria [16]. The government remains open to accepting repentant fighters willing to abandon violence, but this opportunity is not indefinite [2].
This directive comes amid ongoing security challenges, including recent abductions that have heightened national concern [3]. President Tinubu reaffirmed that "democracy without security is a mirage" and highlighted the administration's efforts to combat insurgency and terrorism. He noted a significant decline in terror-related deaths by 81% since 2015, with over 13,000 terrorists neutralized in the past year. Additionally, more than 124,000 fighters and their dependents have surrendered through Operation Safe Corridor since 2023 [2, 3]. The President also pointed to successes in degrading the command structure of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Arege, Borno State [2, 3].
To bolster national security, the administration has declared a security emergency and approved the recruitment of over 50,000 new police officers and thousands of military personnel. The 2026 budget allocates a record N5.41 trillion to defense and security [3, 6]. President Tinubu also stressed the importance of national unity in tackling insecurity, urging citizens not to politicize criminal activities or view them through ethnic or regional lenses [2]. He assured Nigerians that the government remains committed to protecting lives and property and securing the nation's territorial integrity [13].
The President also acknowledged the sacrifices of security forces, commending their efforts in combating terrorism and other threats across the country. He recognized the challenges they face in difficult terrains and honored those who have made the supreme sacrifice in defense of Nigeria [16]. The government remains open to accepting repentant fighters willing to abandon violence, but this opportunity is not indefinite [2].
This article and image are AI generated. For informational purposes only.