President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has delivered a stern warning to terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and their sponsors, declaring that the Federal Government will intensify its crackdown on criminal elements threatening Nigeria’s peace, unity and development.
Speaking during his nationwide broadcast to mark Democracy Day on Friday, President Tinubu emphasized that the opportunity for violent criminals to renounce their activities and surrender to authorities would not remain available indefinitely.
Addressing those involved in acts of terror and insecurity across the country, the President stated that the Nigerian State would no longer tolerate attacks on innocent citizens and communities.
“To bandits, kidnappers, and sponsors of terror: surrender now or face the full force of the Nigerian State,” Tinubu declared.
He stressed that individuals who continue to engage in criminal activities after repeated opportunities for repentance would face decisive consequences under the law.
“These windows of surrender will not remain open forever. No mercy will be shown to those who trade in the blood of Nigerians,” he warned.
While reaffirming his administration’s determination to eliminate insecurity, the President cautioned Nigerians against ethnic profiling and narratives capable of deepening divisions within the country.
According to him, criminality should not be associated with any ethnic, religious or regional group, noting that insecurity remains a national challenge that requires collective action.
“At a time like this, let us not assign blame or point fingers. Crime has no ethnicity,” Tinubu said.
The President called on citizens to remain united in support of security agencies and government efforts aimed at restoring peace across the nation.
He expressed confidence that the country would ultimately overcome terrorism, banditry and other forms of violent crime.
“We must stand united and be assured that the enemies of our nation shall soon be history,” he said.
“We will triumph over terror and continue to build a more prosperous nation.”
Tinubu also used the occasion to reflect on Nigeria’s democratic journey, describing the present generation as one with a historic responsibility to secure economic growth and national prosperity for future generations.
According to him, while Nigeria’s founding fathers fought for independence and the heroes of June 12 struggled for democracy, today’s generation must focus on building a prosperous and inclusive nation.
“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,” the President stated.
He further urged Nigerians to reject division, hopelessness and pessimism, while embracing unity, optimism and a shared commitment to national progress.
“Let us move forward together—rejecting division, cynicism, and despair; embracing unity, hope, and confidence,” Tinubu said.
The President concluded with a call for national renewal, urging citizens to work collectively toward building a country where justice prevails, freedoms are protected and opportunities are accessible to all.
“Let us build a Nigeria united by a common purpose, strengthened by diversity, where justice is accessible, liberty is secure, and opportunity is abundant,” he added.
