Tinubu: Security Forces killed 13,000 Terrorists in one year

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

President Bola Tinubu has disclosed that more than 13,000 terrorists were neutralised in the past year as Nigerian security forces intensified operations against insurgents, bandits and other criminal groups across the country.

Speaking during his Democracy Day address on Friday, the President said the significant figure reflected the impact of renewed military offensives and intelligence-driven operations aimed at restoring security nationwide.

Tinubu also revealed that terror-related deaths have fallen by 81 per cent since 2015, attributing the improvement to sustained counter-terrorism efforts and enhanced collaboration with international partners.

According to the President, Nigeria’s security agencies have shifted from conventional training exercises with allies such as the United States, France and other European countries to precision-targeted operations against terrorist networks.

He cited the recent military operation in Arege, Borno State, where security forces successfully degraded a major command centre of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

The President noted that while military operations have continued to record successes, the government has also maintained a non-kinetic approach through the Operation Safe Corridor programme.

He disclosed that more than 124,000 fighters and their dependants have surrendered and laid down their arms since 2023 under the deradicalisation and reintegration initiative.

Despite the gains, Tinubu maintained a tough stance against criminal groups, warning that the government’s offer of surrender would not remain open 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 declared.

The President said his administration remains committed to strengthening national security through increased recruitment into the armed forces and police, as well as greater investment in security infrastructure.

He noted that the 2026 budget allocated N5.41 trillion to defence and security, the highest security spending in the nation’s history.

Tinubu expressed confidence that ongoing military operations would further weaken terrorist groups and help the country overcome insecurity.

“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,” he said.

The President made the remarks as Nigeria marked 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance since the return to civilian rule in 1999.