- Odibo Victory
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has stated that democracy without security is not strong enough, in his Democracy Day speech delivered today.
In his speech, Tinubu acknowledged that the issue of insecurity in the country has dampened the mood of this year’s Democracy Day celebration.
He made reference to the abducted children in Oyo and Borno states and expressed deep sympathy for them while hoping for their safe return.
“Though this year’s mood is dampened by the abduction of our children in Oyo and Borno, we remain hopeful for their safe return,” he said.
Due to the level of insecurity in the country, he stated that his administration had declared a security emergency and approved the recruitment of more than 50,000 police officers and thousands of military personnel.
“Democracy without security is not solid enough. 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,” he said.
He also stated that in the 2026 budget, the country committed the largest amount in its history to defence and security, amounting to N5.41 trillion.
“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 stated.
He also highlighted the progress made in the country’s defence system, ranging from training with international allies to precision targeting.
“We have moved from training with our allies, the United States, France and other European countries, to precision targeting,” he said.
The president further stated that terror-related deaths have reduced by 81 per cent since 2015.
“In Arege, Borno State, we degraded ISWAP’s command centre. Terror-related deaths are down by 81% since 2015,” he stated.
Speaking on the success recorded in tackling insecurity in Nigeria, Tinubu said that over 13,000 terrorists had been neutralised in the past year.
“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,” he said.
He also warned bandits, kidnappers and sponsors of terrorism to surrender or face the full force of the state.
“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 warned.
The president encouraged citizens not to assign blame or point fingers, stressing that crime has no ethnicity. He also reaffirmed that the country would triumph over the current security challenges.
“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. We will triumph over terror and continue to build a more prosperous nation,” he said.