President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said that democracy cannot thrive in an atmosphere of insecurity, stressing that the protection of lives and property remains central to the success of Nigeria’s democratic experiment.
Speaking during his 2026 Democracy Day address to the nation, Tinubu stated that “democracy without security is a mirage,” as he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to combating terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats across the country.
The President noted that this year’s Democracy Day celebration was overshadowed by the abduction of children in Oyo and Borno States, but expressed optimism that the victims would be rescued safely.
To strengthen national security, Tinubu said his administration had declared a security emergency and approved the recruitment of more than 50,000 additional police officers as well as thousands of military personnel.
According to him, the country’s security architecture has evolved from conventional training exercises with international allies to intelligence-driven precision operations. He cited the successful degradation of an ISWAP command centre in Arege, Borno State, as evidence of progress in the fight against terrorism.
The President further revealed that terror-related deaths have declined by 81 per cent since 2015, while more than 13,000 terrorists were neutralised within the last year.
He added that despite the military pressure on insurgent groups, the government continues to provide opportunities for rehabilitation and reintegration through Operation Safe Corridor.
Tinubu disclosed that over 124,000 fighters and their dependents have surrendered since 2023 under the reintegration programme, emphasizing that while the government remains open to genuine repentance, it will not tolerate continued violence.
He issued a stern warning to terrorists, kidnappers, bandits and their sponsors, urging them to surrender or face decisive action from the state.
“No mercy will be shown to those who trade in the blood of Nigerians,” he declared.
“At a time like this, let us not assign blame or point fingers. Crime has no ethnicity. We must stand united and be assured that the enemies of our nation shall soon be history,” he said.
Tinubu maintained that security remains a prerequisite for democratic governance, economic growth and national development, assuring Nigerians that his administration would continue to invest heavily in measures aimed at safeguarding lives and preserving the country’s democratic gains.
The President’s remarks formed part of a broader Democracy Day address in which he reflected on Nigeria’s 27 years of uninterrupted civilian rule and called for national unity, stronger democratic institutions and sustained economic reforms to secure prosperity for future generations.
