...Says over 124,000 terrorists surrendered, 13,000 neutralised in security drive
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has vowed to intensify Nigeria’s fight against insecurity, announcing a comprehensive security overhaul as part of renewed efforts to defeat terrorism, banditry, and other violent crimes across the country.
In his 2026 Democracy Day broadcast to the nation, the President declared that his administration would not relent until Nigeria is fully secured, stressing that democracy cannot thrive without peace and stability.
Tinubu disclosed that significant progress had been recorded in the ongoing counter-terrorism operations, stating that over 13,000 terrorists had been neutralised in the past year, while more than 124,000 fighters and their dependents had surrendered to authorities since 2023 under Operation Safe Corridor.
According to him, the Federal Government has declared a security emergency and approved the recruitment of over 50,000 additional police officers, alongside thousands of military personnel, to strengthen internal security operations nationwide.
He further revealed that the 2026 national budget allocates N5.41 trillion to defence and security, describing it as the largest commitment ever made to safeguard lives and property in the country.
The President also highlighted improved military operations, noting that precision strikes had degraded terrorist strongholds in parts of the North-East, including the reported destruction of insurgent command structures in Borno State.
Tinubu warned criminal elements including bandits, kidnappers, and their sponsors to surrender or face decisive action from the Nigerian state, insisting that there would be no safe haven for those who threaten national peace.
“Crime has no ethnicity. We must stand united and be assured that the enemies of our nation shall soon be history,” the President said, urging Nigerians to avoid division and support ongoing security reforms.
He maintained that the administration remains committed to restoring peace across all regions, adding that security remains the foundation upon which economic recovery and democratic stability must be built.
Tinubu concluded that the ongoing reforms in the security sector are part of a broader strategy to ensure that democracy delivers tangible benefits to citizens in safety, welfare, and national development.
