President Bola Tinubu has said the abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo and Borno States has cast a shadow over Nigeria’s 2026 Democracy Day celebrations, vowing that his administration will show “no mercy” to terrorists, kidnappers and other violent criminals.
In his Democracy Day address, the President said the nation’s mood had been dampened by the kidnappings but assured Nigerians that efforts were ongoing to secure the safe return of the victims, including 88 students and teachers abducted in separate attacks.
“Though this year’s mood is dampened by the abduction of our children in Oyo and Borno, we remain hopeful for their safe return,” Tinubu said, adding that “democracy without security is not solid enough”.
He warned criminals and their sponsors to surrender or face decisive action, saying no mercy would be shown to those involved in terror-related activities.
Tinubu said the government had declared a security emergency and approved the recruitment of over 50,000 police officers alongside military personnel to strengthen national security. He also announced a record N5.41 trillion allocation for defence and security in the 2026 budget.
The President said security forces had recorded gains against terrorist groups, including the destruction of key strongholds and the surrender of thousands of fighters under Operation Safe Corridor.
He called for national unity in the fight against insecurity and urged Nigerians not to politicise crime, insisting the country would overcome terrorism.
