Mirian Gom 
President Bola Tinubu
ABUJA, Nigeria – President Bola Tinubu says Nigeria’s next democratic milestone must be the delivery of economic prosperity to citizens, as he defended his administration’s reforms and highlighted security gains during the 2026 Democracy Day celebration.
In a nationwide address on Friday marking 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule, Tinubu says democracy must move beyond political freedoms to improving the everyday lives of Nigerians.
“June 12 revealed the possibility of a true Nigerian nation. The heroes of June 12 secured political freedom. Our challenge is to secure economic freedom,” the President says.
“Democracy must be felt in the quality of people’s lives—in opportunities for youth, in prosperous farmers, successful entrepreneurs, and the dignity of our workers.”
Tinubu acknowledges that this year’s commemoration is overshadowed by the recent abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo and Borno states but insists his government remains committed to restoring security nationwide.
According to the President, the Federal Government has declared a security emergency and approved the recruitment of more than 50,000 additional police officers, alongside thousands of military personnel.
He says the 2026 national budget allocates ₦5.41 trillion to defence and security, describing it as the largest security investment in Nigeria’s history.
Highlighting progress against insurgency, Tinubu says security forces have intensified operations against terrorist groups, including the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
The President adds that terror-related deaths have fallen by 81 per cent since 2015, while more than 13,000 terrorists were neutralised in the past year. He also says over 124,000 insurgents and their dependants have surrendered through Operation Safe Corridor since 2023.
“To bandits, kidnappers, and sponsors of terror: surrender or face the full force of the Nigerian State. No mercy will be shown to those who trade in the blood of Nigerians,” Tinubu warns.
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Oluwafunbi Bello 
Korede Abdullah