President Bola Tinubu says Nigeria remains hopeful that students and teachers abducted in Oyo and Borno states will return safely, despite spending nearly three weeks in captivity.
President Bola Tinubu has expressed optimism that dozens of students and teachers kidnapped from schools in Oyo and Borno states will be rescued safely, despite their prolonged captivity.
Speaking during his Democracy Day address on Thursday, Mr Tinubu acknowledged that the abductions had cast a shadow over this year’s celebrations but insisted that efforts to secure their release were ongoing.
“Though this year’s mood is dampened by the abduction of our children in Oyo and Borno, we remain hopeful for their safe return. Democracy without security is not solid enough,” the president said.
The kidnappings, which occurred last month, sparked nationwide outrage and renewed concerns over insecurity across parts of Nigeria. Families, civil society groups and community leaders have continued to demand urgent action from the authorities.
Addressing the security situation, Mr Tinubu said his administration had declared a security emergency and was investing heavily in strengthening the country’s security architecture.
He announced the recruitment of more than 50,000 additional police officers and thousands of military personnel as part of efforts to combat kidnapping, banditry and terrorism.
“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 said.
The president also highlighted international partnerships aimed at tackling security threats, saying Nigeria was working closely with the United States, France and other European allies.
According to him, joint efforts have contributed to recent gains against insurgent groups, including the destruction of an ISWAP command centre in Arege, Borno State.
Mr Tinubu said terror-related deaths had fallen significantly over the past year.
“Terror-related deaths are down by 81%. 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 through Operation Safe Corridor,” he said.
The president warned bandits, kidnappers and terrorism sponsors to abandon violence or face tougher action from the government.
“To bandits, kidnappers, and sponsors of terror: Surrender or face the full force of the Nigerian State,” he said.
“These windows of surrender will not remain open forever. No mercy will be shown to those who trade in the blood of Nigerians.”
Calling for national unity, Mr Tinubu urged Nigerians not to politicise the security crisis or blame particular ethnic groups for criminal activities.
“Crime has no ethnicity. 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.”
