President Bola Tinubu has delivered a stern warning to terrorists, kidnappers, bandits and their sponsors, declaring that the Federal Government will intensify its crackdown on criminal groups threatening the country’s security.
Speaking during his nationwide Democracy Day address on Friday, June 12, Tinubu said those involved in violent crimes still have an opportunity to surrender but warned that the government’s patience would not last indefinitely.
“To bandits, kidnappers, and sponsors of terror: Surrender or face the full force of the Nigerian State,” Tinubu said.
“These windows of surrender will not remain open forever. No mercy will be shown to those who trade in the blood of Nigerians.”
The President’s remarks come amid ongoing efforts by security agencies to combat terrorism, banditry and kidnapping across different parts of the country.
While reaffirming his administration’s determination to tackle insecurity, Tinubu cautioned Nigerians against linking criminal activities to ethnic identities.
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“At a time like this, let us not assign blame or point fingers. Crime has no ethnicity,” the President said.
He urged citizens to remain united in the fight against insecurity, stressing that the country’s enemies should not be allowed to exploit ethnic, religious or regional divisions.
“We must stand united and be assured that the enemies of our nation shall soon be history,” he declared.
The President expressed confidence that Nigeria would eventually overcome its security challenges and continue on the path of development.
“We will triumph over terror and continue to build a more prosperous nation,” Tinubu said.
The Democracy Day broadcast formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance since the return to civilian rule in 1999.