President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared zero tolerance for banditry and terrorism in the country.

He issued a stern warning to criminals, urging them to surrender or face the wrath of the Nigerian government.

At a lecture organised by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, Tinubu proclaimed, "Enough is enough. This has to stop. And it will stop. This is a warning to them. They have limited time."

President Tinubu was represented by National Security Adviser (NSA) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu. He mentioned that Nigeria would no longer tolerate insecurity, and the government is prepared to take all necessary actions to restore peace.

The lecture, themed “Insecurity in the Sahel (2008-2024): Dissecting Nigeria’s challenges – genesis, impacts, and options,” provided a platform to address the various security challenges facing the region.

“Our windows are open, our doors are open if they are ready to come and surrender and stop; otherwise, they know what is going to happen to them,” he said.

According to the President, his government has created institutions to promote accountability and tackle the root causes of insecurity through job creation, infrastructure development, and social services.

“We have developed both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies in considerably eliminating the threats of Boko Haram, banditry, kidnapping for ransom, and violent extremists.”

The President commended the armed forces for their efforts in combating crime and terrorist organisations.

"Our citizens can now heave a sigh of relief. We shall continue to provide our armed forces with the needed human and material resources to achieve success," he said.

President Tinubu also mentioned the progress made in 2023, stressing that so far, over 300 Boko Haram commanders have been killed. He pointed out the decline in cases of kidnapping for ransom.