ABUJA — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu used his 2026 Democracy Day address to address the nation’s ongoing security challenges, specifically acknowledging the 88 students and teachers currently held in captivity following separate attacks in Oyo and Borno states.

A Somber Democracy Day

While the nation commemorated 27 years of unbroken civilian rule, the President admitted the celebrations were "dampened" by the ongoing hostage crisis. The victims, abducted 27 days ago during coordinated raids on four schools, remain the government's primary focus.

"Though this year’s mood is dampened by the abduction of our children in Oyo and Borno, we remain hopeful for their safe return," the President stated. He reaffirmed that his administration views security as the essential bedrock of democratic governance, declaring, "Democracy without security is not solid enough."

Security Emergency and Operational Shifts

To address the worsening climate of insecurity, President Tinubu announced a significant reinforcement of Nigeria’s security architecture:

  • Mass Recruitment: The government has approved the immediate recruitment of over 50,000 new police officers and thousands of military personnel.

  • Record Defense Budget: The 2026 budget commits ₦5.41 trillion to the defense and security sector, marking the largest such allocation in Nigeria's history.

  • Precision Operations: The President highlighted a strategic shift from basic training to precision-targeted strikes, citing the successful degradation of an ISWAP command center in Arege, Borno State.

The President noted that terror-related deaths have declined by 81% since 2015, with 13,000 terrorists neutralized over the past year. Additionally, the government’s Operation Safe Corridor initiative has seen over 124,000 fighters and their dependents surrender since 2023.

A Final Warning to Terrorists

President Tinubu issued a stern ultimatum to bandits, kidnappers, and their financiers, signaling that the state’s patience is reaching its limit.

"Surrender or face the full force of the Nigerian State," the President declared. "These windows of surrender will not remain open forever. No mercy will be shown to those who trade in the blood of Nigerians."

Unity Against Ethnicization of Crime

Addressing fears of division, the President urged Nigerians to resist the temptation to politicize or assign ethnic identities to criminal acts.

"Crime has no ethnicity," Tinubu asserted. "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."