June 12, 2026
President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity across Nigeria, expressing optimism that abducted pupils and teachers from Oyo and Borno states will soon regain their freedom.
Speaking during his nationwide Democracy Day address on Friday, the President acknowledged the pain caused by the recent kidnappings of schoolchildren, stating that democracy cannot thrive in an atmosphere of insecurity.
“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 a mirage,” Tinubu said.
The President highlighted measures taken by his administration to strengthen national security, including the approval of over 50,000 additional police recruits and thousands of military personnel. He also revealed that the 2026 budget allocates a record N5.41 trillion to defence and security.
According to Tinubu, Nigerian security forces have recorded significant successes against terrorist groups, particularly the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), through targeted military operations.
He claimed that terror-related deaths have declined significantly since 2015 and disclosed that more than 13,000 terrorists were neutralised within the past year. The President also noted that over 124,000 insurgents and their dependents have surrendered through the Federal Government’s de-radicalisation and rehabilitation programme, Operation Safe Corridor.
While extending an opportunity for insurgents to surrender, Tinubu warned bandits, kidnappers and terror sponsors that the government would intensify its crackdown on criminal elements.
“Surrender or face the full force of the Nigerian State. No mercy will be shown to those who trade in the blood of Nigerians,” he declared.
The President further urged Nigerians to remain united and avoid attributing criminal activities to any ethnic group, stressing that insecurity is a national challenge that requires collective action.
However, despite addressing several security concerns during his speech, Tinubu made no mention of the reported abduction of 174 women and children from Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The mass kidnapping, described by residents as one of the largest recent abductions in the area, has sparked widespread concern and renewed calls for urgent government intervention.
The omission has generated public debate, with many Nigerians questioning the Federal Government’s response to the incident and the fate of the victims still in captivity.
SUNTV Global Channel will continue to monitor developments and provide timely updates on the nation’s security situation.
