President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigerians to avoid ethnic profiling and blame games in addressing the country’s security challenges, stressing that criminality should never be associated with any particular ethnic group.
The President made the appeal during his Democracy Day address, where he highlighted ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to combat terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of insecurity across the country.
“Crime Has No Ethnicity” — Tinubu
Speaking on the need for national unity, President Tinubu urged citizens to remain focused on collective efforts to defeat criminal elements rather than allowing ethnic divisions to undermine the fight against insecurity.
According to him, criminal activities should be viewed as the actions of individuals and groups rather than entire communities or ethnic nationalities.
“At a time like this, let us not assign blame or point fingers. Crime has no ethnicity,” the President stated.
He emphasized that unity remains one of the country’s greatest strengths in confronting security threats and preserving national stability.
Government Reports Security Gains
The President disclosed that Nigeria has significantly strengthened its security architecture and military operations in recent years.
He explained that the country’s armed forces have moved beyond traditional joint military exercises with international partners such as the United States, France, and other European nations, adopting more precise and intelligence-driven operations against terrorist networks.
According to him, these efforts have produced measurable results in several conflict-prone regions of the country.
ISWAP Command Structure Targeted
President Tinubu revealed that security forces recently recorded a major breakthrough in counter-terrorism operations in Arege, Borno State.
He said the operation successfully degraded the command structure of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), dealing a significant blow to the terrorist group’s operational capabilities.
The President noted that such operations form part of a broader strategy aimed at weakening terrorist organizations and restoring peace to affected communities.
Terror-Related Deaths Declining
Highlighting what he described as progress in the security sector, Tinubu stated that terror-related fatalities in Nigeria have dropped significantly over the years.
According to the President, deaths linked to terrorism have declined by approximately 81 percent since 2015.
He further disclosed that more than 13,000 terrorists were neutralized within the past year as security agencies intensified operations across various regions.
The President said these achievements demonstrate the effectiveness of ongoing military and intelligence-led interventions.
Operation Safe Corridor Records Success
Tinubu also spoke about the Federal Government’s deradicalization and rehabilitation programme known as Operation Safe Corridor.
According to him, more than 124,000 former fighters and their dependents have surrendered and participated in rehabilitation efforts since 2023.
He described the initiative as an important component of the government’s broader security strategy, which combines military action with peace-building and reintegration programmes.
Warning to Terrorists and Bandits
While acknowledging the success of rehabilitation programmes, the President warned that opportunities for surrender would not remain open indefinitely.
He issued a strong message to terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and those who finance criminal activities, urging them to abandon violence or face decisive action from security forces.
According to him, the Nigerian government remains committed to protecting lives and property and will continue to pursue those who threaten national peace and security.
Commitment to Lasting Peace
President Tinubu expressed confidence that ongoing security operations, coupled with greater national unity, would ultimately defeat terrorism and criminality across the country.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening security institutions, promoting peace-building initiatives, and creating conditions for economic growth and national development.
The President concluded by assuring Nigerians that the government would continue working towards a safer, more stable, and more prosperous nation for all citizens.