President Bola Tinubu has said that more than 13,000 terrorists were neutralised within the last year, while terror-related deaths in Nigeria have dropped significantly by 81 per cent since 2015.
Tinubu made the disclosure on Friday during his national address marking the 2026 Democracy Day celebration, where he reviewed the country’s security gains and ongoing challenges.
He said security operations had shifted toward more advanced and precise military strategies with support from international allies.
“We have moved from training with our allies—the United States, France and other European countries—to precision targeting,” the President said.
Tinubu also cited recent military operations in the North-East as evidence of progress in the fight against insurgency.
“In Arege, Borno State, we degraded ISWAP’s command centre,” he stated.
According to him, sustained counterterrorism efforts have significantly weakened terrorist networks across the country.
“Terror-related deaths are down by 81 per cent since 2015. Over 13,000 terrorists have been neutralised in the past year,” Tinubu added.
The President linked the gains to increased investment in national security, noting that the Federal Government has prioritised defence spending and personnel expansion.
He said the 2026 budget includes a record allocation of N5.41 trillion for defence and security, describing it as the largest in Nigeria’s history.
Tinubu also revealed that over 50,000 police officers and additional military personnel are being recruited as part of a broader security emergency response.
“Our administration is ever ready to do much more to secure our people,” he said, reaffirming his government’s commitment to restoring peace and stability across the country.
