13,000 terrorists neutralised in one year – Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu has disclosed that over 13,000 terrorists were eliminated within the last year as security agencies intensified operations aimed at tackling insecurity across Nigeria.
The President made this known on Friday during his Democracy Day nationwide broadcast.
According to him, Nigeria has advanced from conventional military training exercises with international allies to carrying out intelligence-led precision strikes against terrorist groups.
Tinubu highlighted a recent military operation in Arege, Borno State, where security forces successfully dismantled a key command base belonging to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
He noted, “Our security strategy has evolved from joint training programmes with partners such as the United States, France, and other European nations to precision-targeted operations.
“In Arege, Borno State, we successfully weakened ISWAP’s command structure. Terror-related fatalities have declined by 81 percent since 2015, while more than 13,000 terrorists have been neutralised in the past year.”
The President also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to non-military measures in addressing insurgency by offering repentant fighters opportunities to surrender and reintegrate into society.
He revealed that through Operation Safe Corridor, over 124,000 insurgents and their family members have voluntarily laid down their arms since 2023.
“We continue to provide avenues for surrender and rehabilitation. Through Operation Safe Corridor, more than 124,000 fighters and their dependants have embraced peace since 2023,” he said.
Tinubu, however, issued a stern warning to bandits, kidnappers, and financiers of terrorism, urging them to abandon criminal activities or face decisive action from the government.
“To all bandits, kidnappers, and sponsors of terror, the choice is clear: surrender or face the full weight of the Nigerian state.
“These opportunities for surrender will not remain available indefinitely. Those who profit from the suffering and bloodshed of Nigerians should expect no mercy,” he stated.
The President further called on citizens to remain united in confronting the nation’s security challenges, stressing that criminal acts should not be linked to ethnicity or regional identity.
“Now is not the time for blame or division. Crime knows no ethnic or regional boundaries.
“We must remain united and confident that those seeking to undermine our nation will ultimately be defeated.
“Together, we will overcome terrorism and continue building a safer and more prosperous Nigeria,” he added.