President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigerians to refrain from ethnic profiling and collective blame amid the country's lingering security challenges, stressing that criminality should never be associated with any ethnic group.
Speaking during the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations, the President urged citizens to remain united against insecurity, warning that narratives linking crime to particular ethnic nationalities could undermine national cohesion and frustrate efforts to restore peace across the country.
“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,” Tinubu said while addressing the nation.
The President noted that his administration has continued to strengthen the country's security architecture through increased funding, recruitment of security personnel and targeted military operations against insurgents, terrorists and other criminal groups. According to him, the Federal Government has declared a security emergency and approved the recruitment of over 50,000 police officers alongside thousands of military personnel to reinforce ongoing operations nationwide.
Tinubu also highlighted the allocation of N5.41 trillion to defence and security in the 2026 budget, describing it as the highest security allocation in Nigeria's history. He said the government has shifted from routine military training exercises with international partners to precision-targeted operations aimed at dismantling terrorist networks and criminal hideouts.
While acknowledging that insecurity remains one of Nigeria's most pressing challenges, the President argued that weak governance structures at the grassroots level have contributed to the problem. He maintained that ongoing efforts to strengthen local government administration and financial autonomy would enhance community security and improve service delivery.
Tinubu further issued a stern warning to terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and their sponsors, urging them to surrender or face decisive action from the state. He assured Nigerians that security agencies remain committed to ending violence and restoring stability across all parts of the country.
The President's remarks come amid growing concerns over attacks, kidnappings and other security threats in several regions of the country. He, however, expressed confidence that sustained security operations, national unity and collective resolve would ultimately defeat criminal elements and strengthen the nation's democratic foundations.
