President Bola Tinubu has disclosed that Nigerian security forces neutralised more than 13,000 terrorists within the past year, while terror-related deaths across the country have declined by 81 per cent since 2015, underscoring what he described as significant progress in the nation’s fight against insurgency, banditry and other violent crimes.
The President made the disclosure on Friday during his nationwide broadcast to commemorate Nigeria’s 27th Democracy Day celebration. The address, which marked another milestone in the country’s democratic journey, focused heavily on security, economic reforms and the administration’s efforts to strengthen national stability.
Tinubu, who is marking his fourth Democracy Day address since assuming office in 2023, highlighted the achievements recorded by the armed forces and other security agencies in combating terrorist groups operating in different parts of the country.
According to him, Nigeria has evolved from relying primarily on conventional military training partnerships with foreign allies to adopting more sophisticated and targeted security operations that have delivered measurable results on the battlefield.
“We have moved from training with our allies, the United States, France and other European countries, to precision targeting,” the President said.
He cited recent military successes in the North-East, particularly in Borno State, where security forces reportedly dismantled a major operational base belonging to the Islamic State West Africa Province.
“In Arege, Borno State, we degraded ISWAP’s command centre,” Tinubu stated, describing the operation as one of several strategic victories recorded by troops in recent months.
The President noted that the reduction in terrorist activities has translated into a significant decline in fatalities linked to insurgency and terrorism across the country.
“Terror-related deaths are down by 81 per cent since 2015. Over 13,000 terrorists have been neutralised in the past year,” he added.
The figures represent one of the most ambitious assessments yet of the country’s security gains and are expected to fuel discussions about the effectiveness of current counterterrorism strategies.
For more than a decade, Nigeria has battled multiple security challenges, including the Boko Haram insurgency, the activities of ISWAP, bandit attacks in the North-West, kidnappings for ransom, communal clashes and separatist violence in parts of the South-East.
Successive administrations have devoted substantial resources to tackling these threats, but concerns over persistent attacks, especially in rural communities, have remained a major issue for citizens and policymakers alike.
Tinubu attributed the latest security gains partly to increased investment in defence and law enforcement, saying his administration had made security a top national priority.
He revealed that the Federal Government has earmarked a record N5.41 trillion for defence and security-related operations in the 2026 budget, describing it as the largest security allocation in Nigeria’s history.
The President said the massive budgetary commitment is intended to provide the armed forces and security agencies with the resources needed to sustain ongoing operations, acquire modern equipment, improve intelligence gathering and enhance the welfare of personnel.
He further disclosed that the government had embarked on an aggressive recruitment drive to strengthen the country’s security architecture.
According to him, more than 50,000 new police officers have already been recruited, while thousands of additional military personnel are being enlisted under a security emergency declared by the administration.
The recruitment exercise, he explained, is aimed at addressing manpower shortages, improving response capabilities and ensuring a stronger security presence across vulnerable communities.
Security analysts have repeatedly argued that Nigeria’s vast territory and growing population require a larger and better-equipped security workforce to effectively combat evolving threats.
Tinubu maintained that the government’s investments are already yielding results and would continue to strengthen national security in the coming years.
The President also praised members of the armed forces, police and intelligence agencies for their sacrifices in defending the country against terrorists and criminal networks.
He acknowledged the challenges faced by security personnel operating in difficult terrains and dangerous conditions but insisted that their efforts were helping to restore peace and stability in affected regions.
The Democracy Day address comes at a time when concerns over insecurity remain prominent in public discourse, despite reports of improvements in several conflict-prone areas.
While military authorities have announced numerous successes against insurgent groups in recent months, security experts have urged the government to complement military operations with economic development, community engagement and social intervention programmes to address the root causes of violent extremism.
Nevertheless, Tinubu expressed confidence that Nigeria is making steady progress in its quest to overcome terrorism and other security threats.
He assured citizens that his administration would continue to prioritise security, protect lives and property, and provide the necessary support for security agencies to carry out their responsibilities effectively.
As the nation marked another Democracy Day, the President’s remarks signalled the administration’s determination to consolidate recent security gains while pursuing broader reforms aimed at strengthening governance, promoting economic growth and preserving national unity.
