President Bola Tinubu has given terrorists, bandits and kidnappers a clear warning: surrender now or “face the full force of the Nigerian State.”
In his June 12 address marking 27 years of uninterrupted civilian rule, Tinubu linked the warning to the protection of Nigeria’s democracy and security.
“To bandits, kidnappers, and sponsors of terror: Surrender or face the full force of the Nigerian State,” he said. “These windows of surrender will not remain open forever. No mercy will be shown to those who trade in the blood of Nigerians.”
Tinubu said his government remains committed to protecting Nigerians, stressing that “democracy without security is a mirage.” He noted that a security emergency had been declared, with over 50,000 new police officers and thousands of military recruits approved. He also said the 2026 budget sets aside N5.41 trillion—“our largest ever”—for defence and security.
Highlighting recent gains, he 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.” He added that “terror-related deaths are down by 81% since 2015” and “over 13,000 terrorists have been neutralised in the past year.”
The president said “Over 124,000 fighters and dependents have laid down their arms since 2023 through Operation Safe Corridor,” but repeated that the surrender window would not stay open forever.
He said the year’s mood was “dampened by the abduction of our children in Oyo and Borno,” while expressing hope for their safe return. He praised security personnel, saying: “Nigeria salutes your sacrifice.”
Tinubu also urged peaceful elections in Ekiti and Osun, saying, “Democracy fails when citizens doubt the process.”
