…Says Terror Deaths Down 81%; 13,000 Terrorists Killed In One Year
…124,000 Fighters Surrendered Since 2023
President Bola Tinubu on Friday warned bandits, kidnappers, and sponsors of terrorism to surrender or face the “full force of the Nigerian State”.
He warned, “These windows of surrender will not remain open forever. No mercy will be shown to those who trade in the blood of Nigerians.”
Tinubu addressed the nation in a national broadcast to commemorate Democracy Day 2026.
The president acknowledged the security challenges facing the country, including the abduction of children in Oyo and Borno States, which he said had dampened the mood of the celebration.
“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 not solid enough,” Tinubu said.
He recalled that his administration had declared a security emergency and approved the recruitment of more than 50,000 new police officers and thousands of military recruits to address the security challenges.
Tinubu added that the 2026 budget allocated N5.41tn to defence and security, noting “Our administration is ever ready to do much more to secure our people.”
The president also claimed that terror-related deaths had fallen by 81 per cent since 2015 and that over 13,000 terrorists had been killed in the past year alone.
Tinubu said Nigerian forces had moved “from training with our allies, the United States, France and other European countries, to precision targeting.”
According to him, over 124,000 fighters and their dependents have laid down their arms since 2023 through Operation Safe Corridor.
On the economy, Tinubu said “The reforms we are undertaking were not chosen for ease, but for necessity. Three years ago, our public finances were under severe strain, investment was discouraged, and economic uncertainty threatened our future. We chose to act, embracing reforms to advance Nigeria’s economic freedom.
“Since 2023, our reforms have restored stability and credibility to economic management. Federation revenues have risen, providing states and local governments with more resources for infrastructure, education, healthcare, and security. Fiscal transparency has improved, leakage has been reduced, and public funds are better directed to national priorities. Investor confidence has returned, with investments in agriculture, energy, manufacturing, technology, mining, transportation, and the creative industries growing.
“Domestic refining capacity has increased, strengthening energy security and reducing our reliance on imported petroleum products.
“By 2023, when we came on board, the electricity sector was characterised by chronic generation shortfalls, an unreliable gas supply, and transmission infrastructure so fragile that it could not evacuate available power. Distribution companies were burdened by massive losses and a metering deficit of over four million. Worst of all, the value chain was drowning in legacy debt. The result was a sector that generated less than the 13,500 Megawatts installed capacity, a sector that transmitted less than it generated, distributed less than it transmitted and collected revenue far below what it needed to sustain itself.”
He mentioned actions taken to address challenges facing the power sector to include signing the Electricity Act, which grants states authority to generate, transmit, and distribute power.
Tinubu added, “The Presidential Power Sector Task Force is working hard to reduce the metering deficit. It has also been authorised to raise N4 trillion bond to settle verified legacy debts. The Rural Electrification Agency, supported by the World Bank and the African Development Bank, has deployed off-grid and mini-grid power to underserved communities, universities, markets, and hospitals. Electricity is a democratic dividend we owe every Nigerian. We intend to deliver it.”
He, however, acknowledged that many Nigerians still face hardship despite his administration’s efforts.
He assured that his administration remains “focused on reducing inflation, expanding food production, creating jobs, improving living standards, rebuilding confidence in our economy, and creating conditions for sustainable prosperity.
“We are moving from uncertainty to stability. The next phase is about accelerating growth and ensuring the benefits are felt in every home, every community, and every region. We believe that Democracy must be felt in the pocket.”
(The Whistler)
