President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed optimism
over the safe return of students and teachers recently abducted in Oyo and
Borno states, while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to
strengthening security across the country.
Speaking during his 2026 Democracy Day address, Tinubu
acknowledged that the kidnappings had cast a shadow over the national
celebration but urged Nigerians not to lose hope.
“Though this year’s mood is dampened by the abduction
of our children in Oyo and Borno, we remain hopeful for their safe return,” the
president said. “Democracy without security is not solid enough.”
The abductions, which involved scores of students and
school staff, sparked widespread condemnation and renewed concerns over
insecurity in parts of the country.
In response to the growing security challenges, Tinubu
outlined measures his administration has taken to strengthen the nation’s
security architecture. These include the declaration of a security emergency
and the approval of the recruitment of more than 50,000 additional police
officers alongside thousands of military personnel.
According to the president, the Federal Government has
allocated a record N5.41 trillion to defence and security in the 2026 budget,
reflecting its determination to tackle terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and
other security threats.
“Our administration remains ready to do even more to
protect Nigerians and safeguard lives and property,” he stated.
Tinubu also highlighted Nigeria’s growing security
partnerships with countries including the United States, France, and other
European allies, noting that international cooperation has contributed to
recent gains in the fight against terrorism.
He cited the successful disruption of terrorist
operations, including the dismantling of a major ISWAP command centre in Arege,
Borno State, as evidence of progress being made.
The president further claimed that terror-related
fatalities have declined significantly over the past decade, while security
forces have intensified operations against armed groups.
“Terror-related deaths are down by 81 percent since
2015. More than 13,000 terrorists have been neutralised within the past year,”
he said.
At the same time, Tinubu emphasized that the
government continues to offer opportunities for rehabilitation through
initiatives such as Operation Safe Corridor, under which over 124,000 former
fighters and their dependents have reportedly surrendered since 2023.
However, he issued a stern warning to criminals,
bandits, kidnappers, and those financing acts of terror, urging them to lay
down their arms or face severe consequences.
“To bandits, kidnappers, and sponsors of terror:
surrender now or face the full force of the Nigerian State,” he declared. “The
opportunity for surrender will not remain open indefinitely, and no mercy will
be shown to those who profit from the blood of innocent Nigerians.”
Tinubu also appealed for national unity, cautioning
against ethnic profiling or politicisation of crime.
“Crime has no ethnicity,” he said. “At a time like
this, we must avoid blame games and stand together as one nation. With unity
and determination, we will overcome insecurity and continue building a safer
and more prosperous Nigeria.”
The president concluded by expressing confidence that
the country would ultimately prevail against terrorism and criminality,
assuring citizens that government efforts to restore peace and stability would
continue unabated.
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