President says Nigeria intensifying counter-terror operations, boosts recruitment and defence spending amid nationwide security challenges.
President Bola Tinubu has expressed optimism over the safe return of abducted students and teachers from Oyo and Borno states, even as he acknowledged that their abduction has dampened the mood of this year’s Democracy Day celebration.
In his national address on Friday, Tinubu said the government remains hopeful despite the victims spending about three weeks in captivity, stressing that “democracy without security is not solid enough.”
He disclosed that his administration has declared a security emergency, approved the recruitment of over 50,000 police officers and thousands of military personnel, and committed ₦5.41 trillion in the 2026 budget to defence and security.
The President said Nigeria is also working with international partners, including the United States, France and other European allies, to strengthen counter-terrorism operations.
President Tinubu noted that recent military operations have recorded gains, including the degradation of ISWAP’s command centre in Borno State, adding that terror-related deaths have dropped significantly while thousands of fighters have surrendered under Operation Safe Corridor.
He warned criminal elements to surrender or face decisive action, insisting that his administration would not relent in restoring security across the country.
The President, however, called for national unity, urging Nigerians to avoid blame games and remain focused on collective efforts to defeat insecurity and build a more stable nation.