President Bola Tinubu has delivered one of his sternest warnings yet to bandits, kidnappers and financiers of terrorism, declaring that individuals and groups threatening Nigeria’s peace and security will be met with the full weight of state authority.
Speaking during his nationwide Democracy Day broadcast on Friday, the President sent a direct message to criminal elements operating across the country, stressing that opportunities for surrender and rehabilitation would not remain available indefinitely.
According to Tinubu, those involved in terrorism, kidnapping and banditry must either abandon their activities or prepare to face decisive government action.
“To bandits, kidnappers, and sponsors of terror: Surrender or face the full force of the Nigerian State,” the President stated.
He further emphasized that the government’s current policy of allowing repentant fighters to surrender would not continue forever.
“These windows of surrender will not remain open forever. No mercy will be shown to those who trade in the blood of Nigerians,” he added.
The President’s remarks come at a time when concerns over insecurity remain high across several parts of the country, with recurring incidents of terrorism, kidnapping and violent attacks fueling public anxiety.
While reaffirming his administration’s determination to confront criminal groups, Tinubu urged Nigerians not to associate crime with any ethnic, religious or regional identity.
He cautioned against narratives that could deepen divisions and weaken national unity, insisting that criminality should not be linked to any particular group.
“At a time like this, let us not assign blame or point fingers. Crime has no ethnicity,” the President said.
Tinubu called on citizens to unite against the common threat posed by criminal elements rather than allowing insecurity to create mistrust among communities.
Expressing confidence in the nation’s ability to overcome its security challenges, the President assured Nigerians that the government remained committed to restoring peace and stability.
“We must stand united and be assured that the enemies of our nation shall soon be history,” he declared.
He added that the country would eventually prevail over terrorism and criminal violence while continuing on the path of development and economic growth.
“We will triumph over terror and continue to build a more prosperous nation,” Tinubu said.
Beyond security issues, the President described the current period as a defining moment in Nigeria’s history, urging citizens to embrace their collective responsibility in shaping the country’s future.
Drawing parallels with previous generations, he noted that Nigeria’s founding fathers fought for independence, while the heroes of June 12 secured democratic governance.
According to him, the task before the present generation is to deliver prosperity and improved living standards for all Nigerians.
“Every generation has a defining responsibility. The generation of our founding fathers secured independence, the generation of June 12 secured democracy. Our generation must secure prosperity,” he said.
In his concluding remarks, Tinubu called for renewed optimism and national cohesion, encouraging Nigerians to reject division, hopelessness and negativity.
He urged citizens to work together toward building a nation anchored on justice, liberty, opportunity and shared progress.
“Let us move forward together—rejecting division, cynicism, and despair; embracing unity, hope, and confidence,” the President said.
“Let us build a Nigeria united by a common purpose, strengthened by diversity, where justice is accessible, liberty is secure, and opportunity is abundant.”
