President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced plans to recruit over 50,000 police officers and several thousand military personnel as part of renewed efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture, while expressing optimism over the safe return of schoolchildren recently abducted in Oyo and Borno States.

The President made the disclosure in his Democracy Day address, noting that the celebration was overshadowed by recent security incidents involving the abduction of schoolchildren. He, however, assured Nigerians that ongoing efforts were in place to secure their release.

“Though this year’s mood is dampened by the abduction of our children in Oyo and Borno, we remain hopeful for their safe return,” Tinubu said.

Tinubu stressed that security remains the foundation of any functioning democracy, warning that democratic governance cannot thrive in an environment of fear and instability.

“Democracy without security is not solid enough,” he said.

The President disclosed that his administration had already declared a security emergency and was implementing measures to strengthen the nation’s security framework. According to him, approval has been granted for the recruitment of more than 50,000 police officers, alongside thousands of additional military personnel, to enhance nationwide operations.

He also revealed that the 2026 national budget includes ₦5.41 trillion allocated to defence and security, describing it as the highest in the country’s history.

“Our administration is ever ready to do much more to secure our people,” Tinubu stated.

The President issued a stern warning to bandits, kidnappers, and terror sponsors, urging them to surrender or face decisive action from the Nigerian state.

“To bandits, kidnappers, sponsors of terror: surrender or face the full force of the Nigerian state. These windows of surrender will not remain open forever. No mercy will be shown to those who trade in the blood of Nigerians,” he warned.

Tinubu also urged Nigerians to remain united in addressing insecurity, cautioning against ethnic or divisive interpretations of criminality.

“At a time like this, let us not assign blame or point fingers. Crime has no ethnicity. We must stand united,” he said.

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment, the President expressed confidence that Nigeria would overcome its security challenges and emerge stronger.

“We will triumph over terror and continue to build a more prosperous nation,” he added. (The Nation News)