Democracy Day: Tinubu Opens Door For Terror Sponsors, Bandits To Surrender

President Bola Tinubu has issued a stern warning to bandits, kidnappers, and alleged sponsors of terrorism, urging them to surrender or face decisive action from the Nigerian state.

According to Ireporter Online, the President made the declaration on Friday during a nationwide broadcast marking the 2026 Democracy Day and 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance in Nigeria.

Tinubu stated that the country has made notable progress in its counterterrorism efforts, noting that the armed forces have transitioned from joint training with international allies to carrying out precision strikes against terrorist positions. He revealed that Nigerian troops recently dismantled an ISWAP command centre in Arege, Borno State, and claimed that terror-related fatalities have dropped significantly since 2015.

He further disclosed that over 13,000 terrorists have been neutralised within the past year, while more than 124,000 fighters and their dependents have surrendered to authorities since 2023 under Operation Safe Corridor.

Reiterating the government’s stance, Tinubu maintained that while a surrender pathway remains open, it will not remain indefinite, warning that those who continue to engage in violent activities would face the full weight of the law. He also called for national unity, urging citizens not to stereotype any ethnic group in relation to criminal acts, and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to defeating insecurity and fostering national prosperity.