Tinubu to terrorists, bandits, kidnappers: Surrender or face the full force of Nigerian State
Tinubu and Security Chiefs
Cautions Nigerians against trading blame along ethnic lines over country’s fight against insecurity
Emeka Agu Jnr
President Bola Tinubu has warned terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and their sponsors to surrender or face the full force of the Nigerian State.
Tinubu gave the warning in his 2026 Democracy Day speech, adding that the window of surrender will not remain open forever and that no mercy will be shown to those who trade in the blood of Nigerians.
He said: “To bandits, kidnappers, and sponsors of terror: Surrender or face the full force of the Nigerian State. These windows of surrender will not remain open forever. No mercy will be shown to those who trade in the blood of Nigerians”.
The President also cautioned Nigerians against trading blame along ethnic lines over the country’s fight against insecurity.
He urged all Nigerians to unite against terrorists and bandits, adding that “crime has no ethnicity”.
“At a time like this, let us not assign blame or point fingers. Crime has no ethnicity. We must stand united and be assured that the enemies of our nation shall soon be history. We will triumph over terror and continue to build a more prosperous nation”.
Tinubu also spoke on the recent attacks in Oyo and Borno states, saying there is hope that the abducted schoolchildren will eventually be released from captivity.
“Though this year’s mood is dampened by the abduction of our children in Oyo and Borno, we remain hopeful for their safe return. Democracy without security is a mirage. That is why this administration declared a security emergency and approved the recruitment of more than 50,000 new police officers and thousands of military recruits. Our 2026 budget commits N5.41 trillion—our largest ever—to defence and security. Our administration is ever ready to do much more to secure our people,” the speech reads in part.
“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. Terror-related deaths are down by 81% since 2015. Over 13,000 terrorists have been neutralised in the past year. But we also keep the door of surrender open. Over 124,000 fighters and dependents have laid down their arms since 2023 through Operation Safe Corridor.
“At a time like this, let us not assign blame or point fingers. Crime has no ethnicity. We must stand united and be assured that the enemies of our nation shall soon be history. We will triumph over terror and continue to build a more prosperous nation.
“Let us move forward together—rejecting division, cynicism, and despair; embracing unity, hope, and confidence. Let us build a Nigeria united by a common purpose, strengthened by diversity, where justice is accessible, liberty is secure, and opportunity is abundant.”
Speaking on the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election and the subsequent crisis the annulment triggered off, President Tinubu said June 12 occupies a sacred place in our national memory.
“It represents more than an election; it is a defining chapter in our story. We remember Chief M.K.O. Abiola, who won a pan-Nigerian mandate transcending ethnicity and religion. We remember Alhaja Kudirat Abiola.
“We also remember Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Chief Bola Ige, Chief Alfred Rewane, Pa Abraham Adesanya, Chief Anthony Enahoro, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, Commodore Dan Suleiman, Dr Beko Ransome-Kuti, Frank Kokori, Arthur Nwankwo, Chima Ubani, Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, and the many other heroes and heroines of democracy whose sacrifices helped secure the freedoms we enjoy today.
“As beneficiaries of their struggle, we have a duty to strengthen and deepen the democratic institutions for which they fought. The greatest tribute we can pay is to build a Nigeria where freedom is protected, justice is upheld, opportunity is expanded, and government is accountable.
“June 12, 1993, revealed the possibility of a true Nigerian nation. The heroes of June 12 secured political freedom. Our challenge is to secure economic freedom. Democracy must be felt in the quality of people’s lives—in opportunities for youth, in prosperous farmers, successful entrepreneurs, and the dignity of our workers”.
The President used the occasion to announce national awards to Nigerians, who suffered persecution, endured indignities, exile, incarceration, and, at times, solitary confinement, during the June 12 1993 crisis.
They include Barrister Ayoka Lawani; Tunde Fagbenle; Oladele Alake; Olatunji Bello; Louis Odion; Segun Babatope; Lade Bonuola; Femi Kusa; Debo Adeniran; Chief Ayo Opadokun; Chief Ralph Obiora; Ose Osayande; Barrister Osa Director; Prof. Sylvester Odion-Akhaine; Dr Arthur Nwankwo (Posthumous); Dr Osagie Obayuwana; Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin and Richard Akinnola among other.
