Tinubu Warns Bandits, Terror Sponsors To Surrender

President Bola Tinubu has issued a stern warning to bandits, kidnappers and sponsors of terrorism, declaring that those who continue to threaten Nigeria’s peace and security must surrender or face the full force of the Nigerian state.

The President delivered the warning on Friday during his nationwide Democracy Day broadcast, where he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity and protecting the lives of Nigerians.

Tinubu said the opportunity being offered to criminal elements to lay down their arms and embrace peace would not remain available indefinitely.

According to him, the government is prepared to take decisive action against anyone involved in banditry, kidnapping and acts of terror across the country.

“To bandits, kidnappers and sponsors of terror: Surrender or face the full force of the Nigerian State,” the President declared.

He added that no mercy would be shown to individuals who continue to profit from violence and the bloodshed of innocent citizens.

“These windows of surrender will not remain open forever. No mercy will be shown to those who trade in the blood of Nigerians,” he said.

The President’s remarks come amid growing concerns over insecurity and ongoing debates about the identity of criminal groups operating in different parts of the country.

However, Tinubu cautioned Nigerians against ethnic profiling and attempts to associate criminality with any particular ethnic group.

He stressed that crime should be viewed as a national challenge rather than an ethnic issue, urging citizens to avoid divisive narratives that could threaten national unity.

“At a time like this, let us not assign blame or point fingers. Crime has no ethnicity,” he stated.

Tinubu called on Nigerians to unite against a common enemy and support ongoing efforts to restore peace and security nationwide.

He expressed confidence that the country would ultimately overcome terrorism, banditry and other security threats.

“We must stand united and be assured that the enemies of our nation shall soon be history,” the President said.

“We will triumph over terror and continue to build a more prosperous nation.”

The President also used the occasion to reflect on Nigeria’s democratic journey and the responsibilities facing the current generation of citizens.

He noted that while Nigeria’s founding fathers fought for independence and the heroes of June 12 struggled for democracy, the present generation must focus on securing prosperity and sustainable development for the country.

“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,” Tinubu said.

He further urged Nigerians to reject division, pessimism and despair, while embracing unity, hope and collective progress.

According to him, the country can only achieve its full potential when citizens work together toward a shared vision of justice, security and economic opportunity.

“Let us move forward together—rejecting division, cynicism and despair; embracing unity, hope and confidence,” he stated.

“Let us build a Nigeria united by a common purpose, strengthened by diversity, where justice is accessible, liberty is secure and opportunity is abundant.”

The Democracy Day address reaffirmed the administration’s determination to confront insecurity while promoting national unity and inclusive development across the country.