By Desire Emmanuel
President Bola Tinubu on Friday, June 12, told bandits, kidnappers and sponsors of terrorism to surrender now or face the full force of the Nigerian state.
Tinubu said this in his message on this year’s anniversary of June 12, 1993 election widely believed to have been won by Chief Moshood Abiola.
Tinubu said: “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 also disclosed that his administration declared a security emergency and approved the recruitment of more than 50,000 new police officers and thousands of military recruits.
He added that the 2026 budget commits N5.41 trillion– the largest ever—to defence and security.
“That is why this administration declared a security emergency and approved the recruitment of more than 50,000 new police officers and thousands of military recruits. Our 2026 budget commits N5.41 trillion—our largest ever—to defence and security. Our administration is ever ready to do much more to secure our people,” he said.
He also stated: “Terror-related deaths are down by 81% since 2015. Over 13,000 terrorists have been neutralised in the past year. But we also keep the door of surrender open. Over 124,000 fighters and dependents have laid down their arms since 2023 through Operation Safe Corridor.
