President Bola Tinubu on Friday stated that the recent abductions of schoolchildren in Oyo and Borno states have cast a shadow over Nigeria’s 2026 Democracy Day celebrations. He declared that his administration would show “no mercy” to terrorists, kidnappers, and other violent criminals.
Democracy Day Address Highlights
In his Democracy Day address, the president acknowledged that the mood of the nation had been dampened by the kidnapping of children and their teachers. However, he assured Nigerians that the government remained hopeful for their safe return.
Suspected Boko Haram terrorists invaded four schools in Borno and Oyo states, kidnapping 88 students and teachers. The attacks were carried out separately, with no indication of coordination. The captives have spent 27 days in captivity as the government pursues all possible means to secure their release.
“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,” Mr Tinubu said.
Tougher Stance on Terrorism
The president used the occasion to signal a tougher stance against terrorism and kidnapping. He warned that insurgents, bandits, and their sponsors face a narrowing window to surrender. “To bandits, kidnappers, and sponsors of terror: Surrender or face the full force of the Nigerian State. These windows of surrender will not remain open forever. No mercy will be shown to those who trade in the blood of Nigerians,” he declared.
Mr Tinubu said his administration had declared a security emergency and approved the recruitment of more than 50,000 additional police officers alongside thousands of military recruits to strengthen the country’s security architecture. He added that the 2026 budget earmarks a record N5.41 trillion for defence and security, the largest allocation ever made to the sector.
Counterterrorism Efforts
Highlighting ongoing counterterrorism efforts, the president said Nigerian forces had transitioned from training with international allies, including the United States, to conducting precision operations against terrorist groups. He cited the degradation of an Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) command centre in Arege, Borno State, and said more than 13,000 terrorists had been killed over the past year.
According to Mr Tinubu, terror-related deaths have declined by 81 per cent since 2015, while more than 124,000 fighters and their dependents have surrendered through Operation Safe Corridor since 2023. These figures were first made public by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, in 2025 during the national summit of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Since then, officials have continued to cite this data.
The president also stressed that those who continue to perpetrate violence would face decisive military action. He commended members of the armed forces, the Nigeria Police Force, and intelligence agencies for their sacrifices in protecting the country. He acknowledged the role of traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community heads in promoting peace and reconciliation.
Call for National Unity
Calling for national unity against insecurity, Mr Tinubu urged Nigerians not to politicise or ethnicise crime. “Crime has no ethnicity,” he said. “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.”
