President Unveils Security Gains, Honors Democracy Heroes and Sends Powerful Message to Criminal Networks
President Bola Tinubu used his June 12 Democracy Day address to deliver one of his strongest warnings yet to bandits, kidnappers, terrorists, and their sponsors, declaring that the Nigerian government would no longer tolerate threats to national security.
In a nationwide broadcast marking 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule, the President said criminal elements still have an opportunity to surrender but warned that the window for mercy would not remain open indefinitely.
“To bandits, kidnappers, and sponsors of terror: surrender or face the full force of the Nigerian State,” Tinubu declared.
The President revealed that security operations have intensified across the country, citing major gains against terrorist groups. According to him, terror-related deaths have dropped significantly over the years, while more than 13,000 terrorists were neutralized within the past year alone.
Tinubu pointed to successful military operations, including the degradation of an ISWAP command center in Borno State, as evidence of ongoing efforts to restore peace and security nationwide.
Despite the security successes highlighted by the President, he acknowledged that the nation remains saddened by the abduction of children in parts of Oyo and Borno States. He described security as the foundation of democracy and emphasized that meaningful development cannot occur without safety.
The President disclosed that his administration has approved the recruitment of more than 50,000 police officers and thousands of military personnel while allocating a record N5.41 trillion to defense and security in the 2026 budget.
Beyond security, Tinubu used the occasion to celebrate Nigeria’s democratic journey, paying tribute to heroes of the June 12 struggle, including the late Chief MKO Abiola, Kudirat Abiola, Gani Fawehinmi, Beko Ransome-Kuti, Frank Kokori, Anthony Enahoro, Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, and many others who sacrificed for democracy.
He also announced national honors for dozens of pro-democracy activists, journalists, politicians, military officers, and civil society leaders who endured persecution, imprisonment, and exile during Nigeria’s democratic struggle.
The speech also focused on economic reforms, electricity sector improvements, agricultural development, infrastructure projects, and local government autonomy, with Tinubu insisting that the ultimate goal of democracy is prosperity that can be felt in every Nigerian home.
As Nigeria marks another Democracy Day, the President’s message was clear: the fight against insecurity will intensify, democratic institutions must be protected, and those threatening national peace should prepare for decisive action.
People Conferred With National Honors by President Tinubu
Civil Society, Media and Democracy Activists
- Ayoka Lawani
- Tunde Fagbenle
- Oladele Alake
- Olatunji Bello
- Louis Odion
- Segun Babatope
- Sam Omatseye
- Ademola Osinubi
- Bola Bolawole
- Lade Bonuola
- Femi Kusa
- Debo Adeniran
- Ayo Opadokun
- Ralph Obioha
- Ose Osayande
- Osa Director
- Sylvester Odion-Akhaine
- Arthur Nwankwo (Posthumous)
- Osagie Obayuwana
- Joe Okei-Odumakin
- Titus Mann
- Joe Igbokwe
- Richard Akinnola
- Ben Charles-Obi (Posthumous)
- George Mbah
- Niran Malaolu
- Ishola Williams (Rtd)
- Femi Aborisade
- Jenkins Alumona
- Gbemiga Ogunleye
- Muyiwa Adekeye
- Babajide Kolade-Otitoju
- Ike Okonta
Soldier-Democrats of the June 12 Struggle
- Major General M.A. Garba
- Brigadier General Lawal Jaafaru Isa
- Colonel Umar Farouk Ahmed
- Colonel Sambo Dasuki
- Colonel Lawan Gwadabe
- Brigadier Jonathan Temlong
- Colonel Musa Shehu
- Major General Chris Eze
- Major General Harris Dzarma
- Colonel Isa Jibrin
- Major General Joseph Oshanupin
- Colonel Olusegun Oloruntoba
- Lieutenant Colonel Happy Kefas Bulus
- Colonel J. Okai
- Colonel Emmanuel Ndubueze
- Lieutenant Colonel Yakubu Muazu
- Brigadier Yahaya Abubakar (Current Etsu Nupe)
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