President Bola Tinubu on Friday issued a strong warning to bandits, kidnappers and those sponsoring acts of terrorism across the country, urging them to surrender and abandon violence or face the full force of the Nigerian State.
The President gave the warning during his nationwide broadcast to Nigerians to mark Democracy Day, which commemorates 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule in the country.
Tinubu said his administration remained committed to ending insecurity and restoring peace in all parts of Nigeria. He stressed that while the government had left room for those willing to lay down their arms and embrace peace, that opportunity would not remain open indefinitely.
Addressing those involved in criminal activities, the President said, “The windows of surrender will not remain open forever.”
He warned that security agencies had been directed to continue pursuing those who refuse to abandon violence, adding that the government would not relent until Nigerians could live and work without fear.
Tinubu said Nigeria had recorded notable progress in the fight against terrorism and violent crimes in recent years. According to him, terror-related deaths in the country have dropped by 81 per cent since 2015.
He also disclosed that more than 13,000 terrorists had been neutralized in the past year through military operations and joint security efforts.
The President said the achievements reflected the dedication and sacrifices of members of the armed forces and other security agencies who continue to put their lives on the line to protect the country.
“We honour the courage of our military personnel and security operatives who defend our nation daily,” he said, while assuring Nigerians that the government would continue to provide the support needed for security agencies to carry out their responsibilities effectively.
Nigeria has battled different forms of insecurity over the years, including the insurgency in the North-East, bandit attacks in the North-West, kidnapping for ransom in parts of the North-Central and South, as well as communal clashes and other violent crimes.
The activities of armed groups have led to thousands of deaths, displacement of communities and disruption of economic activities, especially in rural areas. Kidnapping for ransom has also become a major concern, with travellers, schoolchildren, farmers and residents often targeted by criminal gangs.
Successive administrations have introduced military operations, peace initiatives and other security measures aimed at tackling the crisis. However, many Nigerians have continued to express concerns over the pace of progress and the need for stronger intelligence gathering and better welfare for security personnel.
Tinubu, who assumed office in May 2023, has repeatedly pledged to confront insecurity head-on and restore public confidence in the ability of the government to protect lives and property.
During the Democracy Day address, the President linked security to national development, saying no country can achieve meaningful progress without peace and stability.
He urged Nigerians to continue supporting the security agencies by providing useful information that could help prevent attacks and apprehend criminals.
Tinubu also called for unity among citizens, noting that democracy can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace, tolerance and respect for the rule of law.
Democracy Day, observed every June 12, honours the struggles that led to the restoration of democratic governance in Nigeria after years of military rule. The date is associated with the June 12, 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as the freest and fairest in the country’s history and believed to have been won by the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola.
As Nigeria marks 27 years of uninterrupted democracy, the President’s message underscored the government’s determination to defeat criminal elements and secure the nation.
For bandits, kidnappers and terror sponsors, Tinubu’s message was direct: surrender now and embrace peace, or be prepared to face the full weight of the law.