The Federal Government has called on Nigerians, media organisations, civil society groups, and security agencies to unite in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism across the country.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the call on Thursday during a National Press Briefing in Abuja, where he unveiled the #UniteAgainstTerror campaign aimed at mobilising collective action against insecurity.
Idris said defeating terrorism requires a united national response that transcends political, ethnic, religious, and regional divides.
“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 said.
The minister assured Nigerians that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to securing the safe return of schoolchildren and teachers recently abducted 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 to ensure that those responsible for these heinous crimes are brought to justice,” Idris stated.
According to him, security agencies have intensified intelligence gathering, surveillance operations, and coordinated rescue missions under the direct instruction of the President to secure the victims’ release and apprehend the perpetrators.
Highlighting recent security achievements, the minister said troops under Operation Hadin Kai in the North-East have continued to neutralise terrorists, rescue civilians, and destroy terrorist infrastructure.
He disclosed that more than 50 terrorists were recently eliminated in follow-up operations in Borno State, while several high-value targets were neutralised through coordinated military actions.
Idris further stated that security operations across the North-West, North-Central, South-East, and South-South regions have resulted in the dismantling of criminal camps, the disruption of kidnapping syndicates, and enhanced protection of critical national assets.
According to him, Nigeria’s counter-terrorism campaign is yielding positive results due to improved inter-agency cooperation, 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 pointed to recent judicial successes, including convictions secured against those involved in the June 2022 terrorist attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, where scores of worshippers were killed.
He revealed that the Federal Government has commenced one of the largest terrorism prosecution exercises in the nation’s history, with hundreds of terrorism suspects currently facing trial under Nigeria’s counter-terrorism laws.
“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,” he added.
The minister urged media organisations to exercise professionalism and restraint in reporting terrorism-related incidents, warning that terrorists often seek publicity and psychological impact through their activities.
“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 also called on Nigerians to remain vigilant, provide security agencies with credible information, and reject narratives capable of dividing communities along ethnic, religious, or political lines.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to protecting lives and property, Idris expressed confidence that ongoing security operations would ultimately defeat terrorism and violent criminality in the country.
“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.
