President Bola Tinubu has promised Nigerians that his government will defeat terrorists and bandits holding people captive across the country, declaring that the administration will never surrender to criminal intimidation.
Tinubu made this pledge yesterday at the National Inter-Denominational Church Service in Abuja, marking the 2026 Democracy Day celebration. Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume delivered the president's message, emphasising that the safety of Nigerians remained the federal government's top priority.
"The government of Nigeria shall never succumb to terror, banditry or any form of criminal intimidation," Tinubu declared. Akume said the president is ready to "double his efforts" to reduce the economic hardships confronting Nigerians and deliver sustainable democratic dividends.
The security situation has become increasingly dire, with kidnappings of children now described as a national tragedy. Akume acknowledged that many Nigerians face economic strain, insecurity, displacement, and loss of loved ones. "Government is sensitive to all these pains, shares in these pains and has heard your cries," he said.
The message came as Nigerian troops achieved significant victories in recent days. Soldiers overran terrorists' fortified positions in the Mandara mountains, rescuing 360 abductees from Borno state. In Sokoto, troops repelled an attack by the Lakurawa faction. A 48-hour security sweep across Plateau and Kaduna states foiled multiple kidnappings and rescued victims.
In Borno, Senator Ali Ndume hailed the rescue of the 360 abductees, saying the operation demonstrates the military's capacity to fight back. Abductee Karimi expressed optimism that plots to destabilise Nigeria through kidnappings would ultimately fail.
The Nigerian Air Force has launched aerial surveillance operations to locate and rescue pupils and teachers from Oriire School, adding another dimension to the rescue efforts.
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has directed an immediate review of the state's security architecture following the persistent attacks in the region. The move signals growing pressure on state governments to strengthen their own security responses.
With the 2027 general election approaching, Akume appealed to young Nigerians not to allow themselves to be used for thuggery, political violence, or misinformation campaigns. He warned that democracy must never become a battleground. "Do not rent out your conscience for money, drugs, political patronage or online applause. Your future is worth more than any politician's temporary convenience," he told the audience.
The SGF also congratulated Nigerians on 27 uninterrupted years of democratic rule since 1999 and paid tribute to pro-democracy activists who endured persecution and death fighting for democratic governance. He tasked religious leaders, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, the media, and families to promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence as the nation moves forward.
