By: Julian Osamoto
President Bola Tinubu has expressed optimism over the safe return of students and teachers abducted from schools in Oyo and Borno states, despite their continued captivity nearly three weeks after the incidents.
Speaking during his 2026 Democracy Day address to the nation, the President acknowledged that the abductions had cast a shadow over the celebrations but maintained confidence that the victims would be rescued.
“Though this year’s mood is dampened by the abduction of our children in Oyo and Borno, we remain hopeful for their safe return. Democracy without security is not solid enough,” Tinubu said.
Safety of schools
The abductions of students and teachers in both states last month sparked nationwide outrage and renewed concerns over insecurity and the safety of schools across the country.
Addressing the broader security situation, Tinubu said his administration had declared a security emergency and approved the recruitment of more than 50,000 additional police officers alongside thousands of military personnel to strengthen national security operations.
Security Budget
He disclosed that the 2026 budget allocated N5.41 trillion to defence and security, describing it as the largest security investment in Nigeria’s history.
“Our 2026 budget commits N5.41 trillion, our largest ever to defence and security. Our administration is ever ready to do much more to secure our people,” he stated.
The President also issued a stern warning to bandits, kidnappers and sponsors of terrorism, urging them to surrender or face decisive action from the government.
“To bandits, kidnappers and sponsors of terror: Surrender or face the full force of the Nigerian State,” Tinubu warned, adding that the opportunity for surrender would not remain open indefinitely.
National Unity
He stressed the need for national unity in tackling insecurity, noting that criminality should not be viewed through ethnic or regional lenses.
“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 shall soon be history,” he said.
Tinubu expressed confidence that Nigeria would overcome terrorism and insecurity while continuing efforts to build a safer and more prosperous nation.
