‎Democracy Day address: Terror financiers will pay dearly, says Tinubu ‎

‎ABUJA — President Bola Tinubu has vowed that financiers and sponsors of terrorism in Nigeria will face severe consequences, declaring that his administration will not relent in its efforts to combat insecurity across the country.
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‎Speaking during his Democracy Day address on Friday, Tinubu warned bandits, kidnappers and terror sponsors to surrender or face the full force of the law.
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‎He stressed that the Federal Government remains committed to dismantling criminal networks threatening national security.
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‎The President said Nigeria had recorded significant gains in the fight against terrorism, noting that terror-related deaths had declined substantially in recent years.
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‎According to him, security forces have intensified operations against insurgent groups, including precision strikes on key terrorist strongholds.
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‎Tinubu disclosed that more than 124,000 former fighters and their dependents had surrendered through the government’s deradicalisation and reintegration programme since 2023.
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‎He described the development as evidence that the administration’s dual approach of military action and rehabilitation is yielding results.
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‎While reiterating that the government remains open to accepting repentant insurgents, the President warned that the window for surrender would not remain open indefinitely.
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‎“To bandits, kidnappers and sponsors of terror: surrender or face the full force of the Nigerian State,” he said, adding that no mercy would be shown to individuals who profit from violence and insecurity.
‎Tinubu also called on Nigerians to remain united in the face of security challenges, insisting that criminality should not be linked to ethnicity, religion or region.
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‎He expressed confidence that the country would ultimately overcome terrorism and banditry through collective resolve and sustained security operations.
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‎The remarks formed part of the President’s address marking Nigeria’s 27th Democracy Day celebration, during which he reflected on the nation’s democratic journey and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives, strengthening institutions and promoting national development.
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