President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared that bandits, violent cult groups, kidnappers, foreign-linked mercenaries and other armed non-state actors will henceforth be treated as terrorists under a new national security framework. The declaration was made on Friday during his presentation of the 2026 budget proposal to a joint session of the National Assembly in Abuja.
Tinubu said the new security doctrine would fundamentally change how Nigeria confronts terrorism and violent crimes, stressing that his administration would no longer target only the perpetrators but also those who finance, protect or enable criminal activities. He warned that any armed group operating outside state authority would be designated as terrorists, including militias, armed gangs, forest-based groups and violent cult organisations.
According to the president, the tougher stance comes amid a surge in mass abductions, banditry and other violent crimes across the country in recent months. He vowed that criminals and their sponsors would receive “no mercy,” declaring that Nigeria is entering a new era of criminal justice aimed at restoring peace, order and public confidence in the state’s ability to protect lives and property.
To back the renewed security push, Tinubu announced that ₦5.41 trillion has been earmarked for defence and security in the proposed ₦58.18 trillion 2026 budget—the largest sectoral allocation. He said the funds would be used to boost the fighting capacity of the armed forces and security agencies through modern equipment, improved intelligence and enhanced operational effectiveness, as part of his administration’s resolve to secure the nation.
