Tinubu to Bandits: Surrender Now or Face Full Force of the Law

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a strong warning to bandits, kidnappers, and sponsors of terrorism, declaring that those who continue to threaten Nigeria’s security will face the full weight of the law.

In his 2026 Democracy Day address, the President said criminal elements still have an opportunity to surrender but warned that such opportunities would not remain available indefinitely.

“To bandits, kidnappers, and sponsors of terror: 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 said.

Tinubu also cautioned against ethnic profiling and attempts to link criminal activities to any particular ethnic group, stressing that insecurity should be viewed as a national challenge rather than an ethnic issue.

“At a time like this, let us not assign blame or point fingers. Crime has no ethnicity,” the President stated.

He urged Nigerians to remain united in confronting insecurity, expressing confidence that terrorism, banditry, and other forms of violent crime would eventually be defeated.

“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,” he said.

The President further described the fight against insecurity and economic hardship as part of a broader national responsibility, calling on citizens to work together to secure a better future for the country.

According to him, while previous generations fought for independence and democracy, the current generation must focus on securing prosperity and national development.

Tinubu also called on Nigerians to reject division and pessimism, urging citizens to embrace unity, hope, and a shared commitment to nation-building.