President Bola Tinubu has announced 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 his administration is preparing to roll out.
The president made this declaration on Friday while presenting the 2026 budget proposal to a joint session of the National Assembly, stressing that the government would no longer focus solely on those who carry out violent acts, but would also pursue those who enable, fund or facilitate such crimes.
“Under this new architecture, any armed group or gun-wielding non-state actors operating outside state authority will be regarded as terrorists,” the former Lagos State governor told lawmakers in Abuja.
“Bandits, militias, armed gangs, armed robbers, violent cults, forest-based armed groups, and foreign-linked mercenaries will all be targeted.
“We will go after all those who perpetrate violence for political or sectarian ends, along with those who finance and facilitate their evil schemes.”
Tinubu explained that the new approach represents a decisive shift in Nigeria’s security posture and is designed to fundamentally alter how terrorism and violent criminality are confronted across the country.
In recent months, Nigeria has witnessed a resurgence of violent crimes, including mass kidnappings and large-scale bandit attacks, raising concerns about public safety in several regions. Despite these challenges, the president reaffirmed his determination to restore peace and order, warning that criminal groups should expect no leniency.
“We will usher in a new era of criminal justice. We will show no mercy to those who commit or support acts of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping for ransom, and other violent crimes,” Tinubu said.
He further assured lawmakers that his administration would continue to invest heavily in security, with a focus on strengthening the operational capacity of the armed forces and other security agencies.
“To secure our country, our priority will remain on increasing the fighting capability of our armed forces and other security agencies and boosting the effectiveness of our fighting forces with cutting-edge equipment and other hardware,” he added.
In line with this commitment, the president proposed an allocation of ₦5.41 trillion for defence and security in the 2026 budget, out of the total ₦58.1 trillion expenditure plan. The sector received the highest allocation in the proposal, underscoring the administration’s emphasis on tackling insecurity nationwide.
What you should know
President Tinubu’s announcement signals a tougher legal and operational stance against insecurity in Nigeria.
By classifying all armed non-state actors as terrorists, the government is broadening the scope of counter-terrorism efforts beyond insurgent groups to include bandits, cult groups and kidnappers. This approach allows security agencies to deploy stronger measures, pursue financiers and collaborators, and apply stricter laws against offenders.
The policy aligns with the administration’s prioritisation of security in the 2026 budget, where defence received the largest allocation. It reflects Tinubu’s belief that restoring safety is central to economic stability, national unity and long-term development.
