The Federal Government has called on Nigerians, the media, civil society organisations and security agencies to strengthen collaboration in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism, stressing that national unity remains critical to defeating insecurity across the country.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the appeal on Thursday during a National Press Briefing in Abuja, where he urged citizens to support ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and criminality.
According to the minister, terrorism poses a threat to all Nigerians regardless of ethnicity, religion or political affiliation, and requires a collective response from all sectors of society.
“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,” Idris said.
He said the government’s campaign, tagged #UniteAgainstTerror, is aimed at mobilising citizens to stand together against violent extremism and other security threats.
The minister also assured Nigerians that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains fully committed to securing the release 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 in ensuring that those responsible for these heinous crimes are brought to justice,” he said.
Idris disclosed that security agencies have intensified intelligence gathering, surveillance and coordinated rescue operations under the President’s directive to secure the victims’ release and apprehend those responsible.
Highlighting recent gains in the fight against insurgency, the minister said troops under Operation Hadin Kai have continued to record successes in the North-East by neutralising terrorists, rescuing civilians and destroying terrorist infrastructure.
He revealed that more than 50 terrorists were recently eliminated during follow-up operations in Borno State, while several high-value targets have been neutralised through coordinated military actions.
According to him, security operations across the North-West, North-Central, South-East and South-South regions have also led to the dismantling of criminal camps, disruption of kidnapping networks and improved protection of critical national assets.
The minister attributed the progress to stronger inter-agency cooperation, enhanced intelligence sharing, improved surveillance capabilities and growing 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.
Idris also highlighted recent judicial successes in the fight against terrorism, including the conviction of individuals linked to the June 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, where dozens of worshippers were killed.
He noted that the Federal Government has commenced one of the largest terrorism prosecution exercises in Nigeria’s history, with hundreds of suspects currently facing trial under the country’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 said.
The minister further urged media organisations to exercise professionalism and restraint in reporting terrorism-related incidents, warning that extremist groups 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 stated.
He called on Nigerians to remain vigilant, provide credible information to security agencies and reject narratives aimed at dividing communities along ethnic, religious or political lines.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, Idris said 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.
The briefing was attended by several senior government and security officials, including Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Dr. Binyerem Ukaire; Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, representing the Inspector-General of Police; Director of Defence Information, Gen. Samaila Uba; Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, among others.
