President Bola Tinubu has declared that Nigeria will not surrender to terrorism, banditry or any form of criminal intimidation, pledging intensified military action, improved welfare measures and renewed efforts to secure the release of abducted citizens nationwide. The President also warned against youth exploitation in political violence and misinformation ahead of the 2027 elections.
By John Ishaku | June 8, 2026
Abuja, Nigeria – The Federal Government has restated its commitment to defeating insecurity and restoring stability across Nigeria, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declaring that the nation will “never succumb to terror or criminal intimidation.”
The President also assured citizens that ongoing efforts to rescue abducted persons and reduce economic hardship remain top priorities of his administration.
His message was delivered on his behalf by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, during a national inter-denominational church service held at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, as part of activities marking the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations.
GOVERNMENT REAFFIRMS SECURITY COMMITMENT
Akume conveyed the President’s position that the safety and security of Nigerians remain non-negotiable.
He said the government is fully aware of the impact of kidnappings, violent attacks and displacement affecting communities across the country, adding that security agencies are being strengthened with additional resources and operational support.
According to him, the administration remains committed to ensuring the safe return of all citizens currently held in captivity.
He emphasized that recent security incidents serve as reminders that more work must be done to protect lives and strengthen national security architecture.
ECONOMIC HARDSHIP AND GOVERNMENT RESPONSE
Beyond security concerns, the Federal Government also acknowledged the economic pressures facing households nationwide.
Akume stated that the administration is aware of rising costs of living, unemployment challenges and general financial strain affecting citizens.
He assured Nigerians that President Tinubu is intensifying efforts to deliver economic relief through reforms aimed at stabilizing the economy and improving livelihoods.
According to the statement, the government is pursuing policies designed to reduce hardship while strengthening long-term economic resilience.
WARNING AGAINST POLITICAL VIOLENCE AND MISINFORMATION
With political activities gradually building toward the 2027 general elections, the President issued a strong warning against the use of young Nigerians for violence or destabilizing activities.
He urged youths not to be exploited for thuggery, misinformation campaigns, ethnic division or religious intolerance.
The administration specifically cautioned against the growing influence of online disinformation and politically motivated hate campaigns.
Citizens were encouraged to protect their integrity and avoid participation in activities that could undermine democratic stability.
DEMOCRACY DAY REFLECTION AND NATIONAL UNITY
The service brought together senior government officials, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and other top dignitaries.
Akume used the occasion to reflect on Nigeria’s 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance, describing it as a product of national resilience and sacrifice.
He paid tribute to pro-democracy activists and June 12 heroes who endured persecution, imprisonment and, in some cases, death in the struggle for democratic restoration.
He urged Nigerians to honor those sacrifices by protecting democratic institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.
SECURITY FORCES AND NATIONAL STABILITY
The Federal Government also commended the Armed Forces and other security agencies for their continued efforts in combating insecurity and safeguarding national sovereignty.
Akume described their sacrifices as essential to sustaining democratic governance and national unity.
He called on citizens to support security operations by providing credible information and avoiding actions that could aid criminal networks.
YOUTH ENGAGEMENT AND NATIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
A significant part of the President’s message focused on the role of young Nigerians in shaping the country’s future.
He urged youths to reject violence and embrace constructive civic engagement, warning that political manipulation often targets vulnerable groups.
The administration encouraged young people to prioritize education, entrepreneurship and peaceful participation in democratic processes.
Religious leaders, traditional rulers, civil society organizations and the media were also urged to promote tolerance and responsible public discourse.
President Bola Tinubu’s renewed assurance against terrorism and criminal intimidation underscores the Federal Government’s dual focus on security and economic stabilization amid growing national pressures.
While the administration projects confidence in its ability to defeat insecurity and improve living conditions, significant challenges remain in addressing kidnappings, economic hardship and political tensions ahead of the 2027 elections.
As Nigeria marks another Democracy Day, the call for unity, restraint and institutional strengthening continues to define the national conversation on governance, security and democratic sustainability.
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