President Bola Tinubu has expressed optimism about the safe return of students and teachers abducted from Oyo and Borno states, despite their captivity for nearly three weeks.
In his 2026 Democracy Day address, Tinubu acknowledged that the abductions have cast a shadow over this year’s celebrations, but he remains hopeful for their release. Though the mood this year is dampened by the abduction of our children in Oyo and Borno, we remain hopeful for their safe return. Democracy without security is not solid enough, he stated.
Last month’s abductions of scores of students and teachers sparked nationwide outrage and protests. In response to the growing insecurity, Tinubu highlighted his administration’s efforts, including declaring a security emergency and approving the recruitment of more than 50,000 new police officers as well as thousands of military personnel. “Our 2026 budget commits N5.41 trillion—our largest ever—to defence and security. Our administration stands ready to do even more to secure our people,” he said.
Tinubu also outlined ongoing partnerships with international allies such as the US, France, and other European countries to tackle Nigeria’s security challenges. He noted significant achievements, including the dismantling of ISWAP’s command centre in Arege, Borno State, an 81% reduction in terror-related deaths since 2015, and the neutralisation of over 13,000 terrorists in the past year. He added that more than 124,000 fighters and their dependents have surrendered since 2023 through Operation Safe Corridor.
The president issued a strong warning to criminals, urging bandits, kidnappers, and sponsors of terror to surrender or face the full force of the Nigerian State. These windows of surrender will not remain open forever. No mercy will be shown to those who trade in the blood of Nigerians, he warned.
Tinubu called on Nigerians to unite against crime, saying, At a time like this, let us not assign blame or point fingers. Crime has no ethnicity. 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.
