By Eshioromeh Sebastian
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu issued a stern warning to bandits, kidnappers, and terror sponsors during his 2026 Democracy Day address on Friday, declaring that “no mercy will be shown to those who trade in the blood of Nigerians.”
Speaking on the 27th anniversary of uninterrupted civilian rule in Nigeria, the President delivered an ultimatum to criminal elements threatening the nation’s security, while also offering a final window for surrender.
“To bandits, kidnappers, and sponsors of terror: Surrender or face the full force of the Nigerian State,” Tinubu said. “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’s stance comes amid heightened security concerns, including recent abductions of children in Oyo and Borno States. He acknowledged that “this year’s mood is dampened” by these incidents but expressed hope for the safe return of the victims.
“Democracy without security is a mirage,” Tinubu asserted, explaining why his administration declared a security emergency shortly after taking office.
The President detailed significant investments in national security, including the approval of more than 50,000 new police officers and thousands of military recruits. He noted that the 2026 budget allocates N5.41 trillion – the largest ever – to defence and security.
“Our administration is ever ready to do much more to secure our people,” Tinubu said.
He highlighted recent military successes, including the degradation of ISWAP’s command centre in Arege, Borno State. According to the President, terror-related deaths have dropped by 81 percent since 2015, with over 13,000 terrorists neutralised in the past year alone.
“We have moved from training with our allies – the United States, France and other European countries – to precision targeting,” Tinubu said.
The President also noted that more than 124,000 fighters and dependents have laid down their arms since 2023 through Operation Safe Corridor, but warned that the offer of surrender will not last indefinitely.
“Crime has no ethnicity,” Tinubu said, calling for national unity against insecurity. “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 used the occasion to call for peaceful and credible upcoming governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun States, urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, and all political parties to ensure the integrity of the polls.
Addressing Nigerians directly, the President said: “Criticise me, disagree with me, but never stop believing in Nigeria.”
He also announced national honours for over 40 pro-democracy activists, journalists, and military officers who played key roles in the struggle for democratic governance, including Babajide Kolade-Otitoju, Sam Omatseye, Olatunji Bello, Joe Igbokwe, Richard Akinnola, and Joe Okei-Odumakin, among others.
The President paid tribute to the heroes of the June 12 struggle, including Chief M.K.O. Abiola, Kudirat Abiola, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, and many others whose sacrifices, he said, helped secure the democratic freedoms Nigerians enjoy today.
“Our generation must secure prosperity,” Tinubu said, urging citizens to reject division and cynicism while embracing unity and hope.
“June 12 reminds us: Nigerians do not break. We bend, we bleed, but we do not break.”
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