Tinubu Issues Urgent Warning to Bandits and Terrorists: Time Is Running Out

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has delivered a strong warning to bandits, terrorists, and other criminal organizations, urging them to surrender or face firm action from the Nigerian government.

While speaking at a lecture in Abuja, the President stated,

“Enough is enough. This has to stop. And it will stop. This is a warning to them. They have limited time.”

The President, who was represented by National Security Adviser (NSA) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, stressed that Nigeria would no longer tolerate insecurity, and the government is prepared to take all necessary actions to restore peace.

The lecture, themed “Insecurity in the Sahel (2008-2024): Dissecting Nigeria’s challenges – genesis, impacts, and options,” provided a platform to address the various security challenges facing the region.

President Tinubu reiterated that although non-kinetic approaches are still important, criminal groups must take action immediately.

“Our windows are open, our doors are open if they are ready to come and surrender and stop, otherwise they know what is going to happen to them,” he said.

The President also emphasized that the government has set up institutions aimed at promoting accountability and addressing the root causes of insecurity through job creation, infrastructure development, and social services.

He added, “We have developed both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies in considerably eliminating the threats of Boko Haram, banditry, kidnapping for ransom, and violent extremists.”

As Chair of ECOWAS, President Tinubu is dedicated to enhancing regional collaboration, sharing intelligence, and coordinating security efforts with neighboring countries to address common security challenges in the Sahel.

Expressing optimism about recent security achievements, he commended the Nigerian armed forces for intensifying their offensive against criminal elements in the Northeast and Northwest.

“Our citizens can now heave a sigh of relief. We shall continue to provide our armed forces with the needed human and material resources to achieve success,” he said.

President Tinubu concluded by emphasizing the progress made over the past year, highlighting the elimination of more than 300 Boko Haram commanders and a reduction in kidnapping cases for ransom.

He warned that criminal leaders have been made examples, stating, “If they refuse to surrender, the same fate awaits them.”