President Bola Tinubu has disclosed that more than 13,000 terrorists were neutralised across Nigeria in the past year as security forces intensified operations against insurgents and criminal groups threatening the nation’s stability.
Speaking on Friday during his Democracy Day address, the president said the country’s security strategy had evolved from routine military training with international allies to targeted operations aimed at dismantling terrorist networks.
According to Tinubu, a recent military operation in Arege, Borno State, successfully destroyed a key command centre belonging to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), dealing a significant blow to the group’s activities.
He noted that terror-related deaths in Nigeria have declined by 81 per cent since 2015, describing the development as evidence of progress in the fight against insecurity.
“We have moved from training with our allies, including the United States, France and other European countries, to precision-targeted operations. In Arege, Borno State, we degraded ISWAP’s command centre. Terror-related deaths are down by 81 per cent since 2015, and over 13,000 terrorists have been neutralised in the past year,” the president said.
Tinubu also highlighted the Federal Government’s commitment to non-military measures aimed at ending insurgency, particularly through rehabilitation and reintegration programmes for repentant fighters.
He revealed that more than 124,000 insurgents and their family members had surrendered and laid down their arms since 2023 under the Operation Safe Corridor initiative.
The president said the programme provides an opportunity for willing fighters to abandon violence and return to society, while warning that those who refuse peace will face decisive action from the government.
“Over 124,000 fighters and dependants have laid down their arms since 2023 through Operation Safe Corridor. However, the window for surrender will not remain open forever,” he stated.
Tinubu issued a strong warning to bandits, kidnappers and sponsors of terrorism, urging them to abandon criminal activities or face the full force of the law.
“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,” he said.
The president further called on Nigerians to remain united despite ongoing security challenges, stressing that criminality should not be linked to any ethnic, regional or religious group.
He urged citizens to support efforts to restore peace and security across the country, expressing confidence that Nigeria would ultimately overcome terrorism and emerge stronger.
“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 will soon be history. We will triumph over terror and continue to build a more prosperous nation,” Tinubu added.
Tinubu: Over 13,000 Terrorists Neutralised in One Year, 124,000 Insurgents Surrendered
