‘My Administration Won’t Surrender to Bandits’

President Bola Tinubu has firmly affirmed that his government will not surrender to bandits and terrorists.

As part of events marking the 2026 Democracy Day commemoration, George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), delivered the President’s speech at the national interdenominational church service held at the National Christian Centre in Abuja.

Akume said in a statement released on Sunday by Yomi Odunuga, the SGF’s special adviser on media and publicity, that Tinubu has promised to step up efforts to address economic issues and bolster national security.

Meanwhile, according to the SGF, the President remains committed to reducing the burden on citizens and ensuring that more people benefit from democracy.

In addition, he stated that the government is working to respond quickly and compassionately to the economic hardship, insecurity, kidnappings, and displacement affecting many parts of the country.

Akume said, “Government is sensitive to all these pains, shares in these pains and has heard your cries.”

Furthermore, he reaffirmed that securing the safe return of Nigerians abducted by criminal groups remains a top national priority. He added that the government is strengthening and supporting security forces to tackle threats across the country.

He said, “The government of Nigeria shall never succumb to terror, banditry or any form of criminal intimidation.”

Akume noted that 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule since 1999 reflects the resilience of Nigerians and the sacrifices of pro-democracy activists, including those who lost their lives during the June 12 struggle.