President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerians, especially the youth, not to lose faith in the country despite ongoing economic and security challenges.
Speaking during a nationwide broadcast on Friday to mark Nigeria’s 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule, the President struck a tone that mixed encouragement, warning, and reassurance.
He also welcomed criticism from citizens, particularly young people, but urged them not to let frustration turn into disengagement from the nation’s future.
“Criticise me, disagree with me, but never stop believing in the nation,” Tinubu said.
He described democracy as a system that survives only when citizens continue to trust its institutions, naming the National Assembly, judiciary, media, and civil society as key “guardrails” holding the system together.
“To our young people, Nigeria is your home and your future. Build here, work here, and eat here,” he added, encouraging youth to stay and contribute to national development rather than “abandoning ship.”
“Nigeria Is Winning the War on Terror” — Tinubu Lists Security Gains
In the same address, the President turned attention to national security, issuing a strong warning to bandits, kidnappers, and terror sponsors operating across the country.
According to him, Nigeria’s security forces have recorded significant progress in recent years, including improved operational capacity and successful strikes against terrorist networks.
He cited an operation in Arege, Borno State, where he said ISWAP’s command centre was destroyed, describing it as part of a broader shift toward more precise military targeting.
“We have moved from training with our allies… to precision targeting,” he said.
Tinubu also claimed that terror-related deaths have dropped significantly since 2015, stating an 81% reduction, while adding that over 13,000 terrorists had been neutralised in the past year.
“Surrender or Face Full Force” — Tough Message to Criminal Networks
While highlighting gains, the President maintained that the government would not relent in its military pressure on criminal groups.
He warned that those still engaged in kidnapping, banditry, or terrorism should surrender or prepare to face the full strength of the Nigerian state.
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According to him, over 124,000 fighters and their dependents have surrendered since 2023 under the Operation Safe Corridor programme, which continues to offer a reintegration pathway for repentant militants.
However, he stressed that the opportunity would not remain open indefinitely.
“To bandits, kidnappers, and sponsors of terror: surrender or face the full force of the Nigerian State… No mercy will be shown to those who trade in the blood of Nigerians,” Tinubu warned.
A Call for Unity Amid Pressure
The President also urged Nigerians not to descend into ethnic blame games over insecurity, insisting that crime is not tied to any specific group.
“At a time like this, let us not assign blame or point fingers. Crime has no ethnicity,” he said.
He ended his address with a message of unity and optimism, expressing confidence that Nigeria would overcome its security challenges and continue its democratic journey.
“We will triumph over terror and continue to build a more prosperous nation,” he said.