By Our Correspondent
Abuja – 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, stressing that defeating insecurity requires a collective national effort.
Speaking at a national press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said terrorism remains a threat to national peace and security and must be confronted without regard to political, ethnic, religious, or regional differences.
According to the minister, the government’s renewed call to action, tagged #UniteAgainstTerror, is aimed at mobilising all Nigerians to stand together against terrorism and criminality.
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“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 stated.
The minister assured citizens that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains 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 operations, and rescue missions under the direct instruction of the President to secure the release of the victims and apprehend the perpetrators.
Highlighting recent security gains, the minister said troops under Operation Hadin Kai have continued to neutralise terrorists, rescue civilians, and destroy terrorist infrastructure across the North-East.
He noted that more than 50 terrorists were recently eliminated in follow-up operations in Borno State, while coordinated military actions have also targeted several high-value terrorist commanders.
According to him, 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 networks, and improved protection of critical national assets.
The minister attributed the successes to stronger inter-agency collaboration, improved intelligence sharing, enhanced surveillance capabilities, and expanded international cooperation.
“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 milestones, including convictions secured against perpetrators of the June 2022 terrorist attack on St. Francis Catholic Church.
He further revealed that the Federal Government has commenced one of the largest terrorism prosecution exercises in the country’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 stated.
The minister urged media practitioners to exercise professionalism and restraint in reporting terrorism-related incidents, warning that terrorist groups 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 credible information to security agencies, and reject divisive narratives capable of fueling ethnic, religious, or political tensions.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to protecting lives and property, Idris expressed confidence that Nigeria would ultimately overcome the challenge of terrorism.
“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 senior government officials and security representatives, including the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Binyerem C. Ukaire, representatives of the Nigeria Police Force and the Armed Forces, as well as presidential media aides.
