Over 124,000 terrorists, dependents surrender in Nigeria since 2023, President Tinubu says
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
President Bola Tinubu announced that more than 124,000 fighters and their dependents have surrendered through Operation Safe Corridor since 2023. This disclosure was made during his national address for Nigeria's 27th Democracy Day celebration. President Tinubu highlighted a dual-track strategy involving intensified military pressure on insurgent and bandit networks, alongside reintegration pathways for those who renounce violence. He cited this figure as evidence of progress under his administration's security reset, which includes a record N5.41 trillion security budget for 2026, the recruitment of over 50,000 new police officers, and precision targeting operations. These operations have reportedly led to the degradation of ISWAP's command center in Borno State and the elimination of senior commanders in a joint Nigeria-US operation.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Must ReadPresident Bola Tinubu appealed to Nigerian youth to stay in the country and help build its future, emphasizing that great nations are built by those who solve problems rather than abandon them. In his Democracy Day address, his fourth since taking office in May 2023, he encouraged young people to "build here, code here, work here, and vote here." This appeal comes amidst ongoing emigration trends, known as "japa," where many young, skilled Nigerians, especially in technology, healthcare, and academia, move abroad for better economic opportunities. Tinubu stated that Nigeria's democratic dividends must translate into tangible economic benefits for its citizens, particularly the youth, noting that "democracy must be felt in the pocket." He highlighted initiatives such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, the deployment of 10,000 tractors over five years by the National Agricultural Development Fund, and the certification of over 1,000 SMEs for export as efforts to expand domestic opportunities. He concluded by stating that the current generation has a historical responsibility to secure prosperity, just as previous generations secured independence and democracy.
The modern football transfer market has seen clubs spend over £100 million for top talent, but even significant offers are not always enough to secure players. Al Hilal's reported £259 million bid for Kylian Mbappe in 2023 tops the list of rejected transfers, with Mbappe declining the move to Real Madrid a year later. In 2006, former Barcelona president Joan Laporta stated Inter Milan attempted to trigger a €250 million release clause for Lionel Messi, which Barcelona rejected. Real Madrid's £171.7 million offer for Mbappe was rejected by Paris Saint-Germain in 2021. Liverpool rejected a £150 million offer from Al-Ittihad for Mohamed Salah in 2023 and a £119 million bid from Barcelona for Philippe Coutinho in 2017. Manchester City's £100 million offer for Kaká from AC Milan in 2009 was also rejected, as was their £100 million bid for Harry Kane from Tottenham Hotspur in 2021. Newcastle United initially rejected Liverpool’s £110 million bid for Alexander Isak before agreeing to a £125 million transfer. Barcelona's attempt to re-sign Neymar from Paris Saint-Germain in 2019, involving over £120 million plus players, also failed. Most recently, Atletico Madrid rejected Real Madrid's reported £129 million offer for Julian Alvarez in 2026. These instances highlight that clubs often prioritize a player's sporting value over financial rewards, even with record-breaking offers.
Must ReadPresident Bola Tinubu stated that the collapse of grassroots governance significantly contributed to Nigeria's insecurity, emphasizing the importance of effective local government administration for national development. In his June 12 Democracy Day address, Tinubu noted that his administration has pursued financial autonomy for the country's 774 local government councils to ensure democracy benefits citizens at the grassroots level. He explained that a fundamental challenge to national advancement has been ineffective local government administration, and the current insecurity is partly a result of this breakdown. Tinubu added that the Renewed Hope Agenda aims to ensure all Nigerians benefit from governance, regardless of location or social status. He urged Nigerians to remain united, reject division, and work towards building a more prosperous and inclusive nation, where justice, liberty, and opportunity are abundant.