Surrender or be killed, Tinubu warns terrorists, bandits

President Bola Tinubu has issued a stern warning to terrorists and bandits troubling Nigerians, urging them to surrender to government forces or face lethal consequences in battle.

Tinubu, who stated that his administration has had enough of the activities of bandits, terrorists, and other non-state actors, said he has put in place both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to eliminate the criminal elements tormenting the country.

The president spoke on Thursday in Abuja at the inaugural international lecture organised by the News Agency of Nigeria.

Represented by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, Tinubu said the days of these criminal elements are numbered, warning them to either drop their arms or be killed.

He said, “Cowards, idiots, bandits, kidnapping for ransom, and violent extremists—bad people. I can assure you, we are here to confront you. Enough is enough. For 15 years we’ve been going through hell in this country. These bad people have been doing what they like.

“They continue to interfere with how we live, interfere with our commerce, education, health system, and transportation. Enough is enough. It has to stop. It will stop.

“It’s a warning to them. Time is running out. If you want to live, stop this. If you want to live your life, end it now. Examples have been made. They’ve seen what’s happening to their own leaders. The non-kinetic approach is still important.

“Windows are open, doors are open. If you’re ready to surrender and stop, do so. Otherwise, you know what’s coming, whoever you are.”

He also vowed that the kidnapping for ransom, which has become prevalent in the country, would soon be a thing of the past.

“Today, kidnapping is an economic crime. It has replaced armed robbery, bank robbery, and housebreaking. And you see them—stupid, cowardly people—taking others and hiding them, then asking for money. We will find you.

We defeated armed robbery before in this country. We will also defeat kidnappers. It’s a matter of time. We are just one year, three months, or four months old. Give us time.”

Tinubu also warned corrupt officials to be cautious, threatening to deal with them.

He said, “We have taken steps to improve governance through strengthening institutions, promoting accountability, and ensuring inclusive decision-making. Even those who corrupt people, be careful. It will come for you. It’s coming.”

Tinubu stated that his administration was committed to uplifting the downtrodden from the shackles of poverty, adding that he would continue to invest in job creation, infrastructure development, and social services.

He also urged Nigerians to be patient with him, promising that the positive impacts of his policies would soon be felt.

Tinubu said, “I’m standing for Mr. President, but please give me a little chance to also say, as his National Security Adviser, we do not talk much, but we act. You know that we haven’t been talking; we’ve been working. We work, we talk less. But I can assure you, we are on the right track. Nigeria is becoming stable. We are restoring order. You will feel it, you will see it—give us time.

“For the first time in Nigeria, we are confronting the evil of those who continue to take from the poor through subsidy deals, international traders, and oil marketers.

“For the first time, or at least in a long time, we are going to cut our coat according to our cloth and develop this economy, grow, and change things. It is happening.”