The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris has called on all Nigerians to join in the fight against terrorism and other forms of violent extremism threatening national peace and security.
Idris said defeating terrorism requires a united national response that transcends political, ethnic, religious, and regional differences.
He made the call during a press briefing on the security situation in the country.
The event was attended by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Dr. Binyerem C. Ukaire; the Inspector General Of Police, represented by Force PRO, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, Director, Defence Information, Gen. Samaila Uba; Special Adviser to the President, Media & Public Communications, Sunday Dare; Senior Special Assistant Print Media, Abdulaziz Abdulaziz; Senior Special Assistant to the President, Public Engagement, Mr Fredrick Nwabufo; Senior Special Assistant to the President Media and Special Duties, Tunde Rahman.
The Minister explained that the various abductions by terrorists is an attack on the nation.
He also assured Nigerians that safe returns of students kidnapped in Oyo state and Borno remains top priority of the government.
He said: “Recent events in Oyo and Borno States have once again tested our collective resolve as a people. The abduction of innocent school children and their teachers is not merely an attack on families or communities; it is an attack on the future of our nation, on education, and on the values that bind us together as Nigerians.”
To this, he said “The Federal Government is rallying citizens, the media, and security agencies in a united front against terrorism because an attack against one Nigerian is an attack against all Nigerians. Terrorism has no tribe, no religion, and no political affiliation. Its only purpose is destruction.”
He also stressed that this is the basis for the national call to action, #UniteAgainstTerror, which urges all Nigerians to stand together against violent extremism and criminality.
The Minister assured Nigerians that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains fully committed to securing the safe return of all abducted schoolchildren and teachers recently taken captive in separate attacks in Oyo and Borno States.
“I wish to assure all Nigerians that the safe return of every child and every teacher currently in captivity remains a top national priority. The President has made it clear that no child belongs in captivity and that no effort will be spared in ensuring that those responsible for these heinous crimes are brought to justice.”
He disclosed that security agencies, working under the direct instruction of the President, have intensified intelligence gathering, surveillance operations, and coordinated rescue efforts aimed at securing the release of the victims and bringing the perpetrators to justice.
Idris also assured Nigerians of the President’s efforts at overhauling the country’s security architecture.
“One of the pillars of this overhaul is the determined implementation of state policing. President Tinubu is determined to ensure that one of his legacies is the delivery of a restructured policing system that is dynamic, flexible, and fit-for-purpose – one that truly empowers and secures local communities,” he explained.
The minister also highlighted recent security successes recorded across the country, saying that troops under Operation Hadin Kai in the North-East have continued to neutralise terrorists, rescue civilians, and destroy terrorist infrastructure.
He added that over 50 terrorists were recently eliminated in follow-up operations in Borno State, while dozens of high-value targets have been taken out through coordinated military actions.
He further stated that security operations across the North-West, North-Central, South-East, and South-South regions have led to the dismantling of criminal camps, disruption of kidnapping syndicates, and increased protection of critical national assets.
According to the Minister, Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts are increasingly yielding results because of improved inter-agency collaboration, intelligence sharing, enhanced surveillance capabilities, and stronger international partnerships.
“What distinguishes our current approach is the combination of military pressure, intelligence-led operations, technology, regional cooperation, and community engagement. This comprehensive strategy is steadily degrading the operational capacity of terrorist and criminal groups,” he said.
The Minister also listed the latest convictions secured against perpetrators of the June 2022 terrorist attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, where scores of worshippers lost their lives as part of the success stories of Tinubu’s war against terrorists.
He noted that the Federal Government has also commenced one of the largest terrorism prosecution exercises in Nigeria’s history, with hundreds of terrorism suspects currently undergoing trial under the country’s counter-terrorism legal framework.
“Justice is an essential pillar of national security. Beyond military operations, the government is ensuring that those involved in acts of terrorism face the full weight of the law. The ongoing terrorism trials and recent convictions send a clear message that impunity will not prevail,” the Minister said.
The Minister also appealed to the media to exercise professionalism and restraint in reporting terrorism-related incidents, noting that terrorists often seek publicity and psychological impact through their actions.
“While the media must continue to report accurately and responsibly, we must be careful not to inadvertently amplify the objectives of terrorists. Responsible journalism can help deny them the publicity they seek while keeping citizens properly informed,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, support security agencies with credible information, and reject narratives designed to divide communities along ethnic, religious, or political lines.
The Minister reiterated that the Federal Government remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting lives and property and assured citizens that ongoing security operations would continue until terrorism and violent criminality are decisively defeated.
“Nigeria has faced difficult moments before and emerged stronger. We shall overcome this challenge as well. United in purpose and unwavering in resolve, we will ensure that terrorism has no future in Nigeria,” he said.
He expressed confidence that with the continued support of citizens and stakeholders, Nigeria would overcome the threat of terrorism and build a safer, more secure future for all.
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