FG Calls Nationwide Unite Against Terror, Reaffirms Commitment To End Insecurity

By Onwe Wisdom, Pan Afric Reporters

The Federal Government has called a nationwide unity against terrorism, aimed at mobilising citizens, the media, civil society organisations and security agencies in a united front against terrorism and violent extremism, declaring that the battle to secure Nigeria requires collective action beyond ethnic, religious and political divides.

The call was made by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, during a National Press Briefing in Abuja on Thursday, where he called Unity Against Terror as a societal approach to confront terrorism and criminal violence across the country.

The position of the Federal Government was contained in a statement issued by the Minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Rabiu Ibrahim, who signed the press release.

Addressing journalists and stakeholders, Idris said terrorism remains a common enemy whose sole objective is destruction, stressing that Nigerians must unite irrespective of differences to defeat the threat.

“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,” the Minister said.

He assured Nigerians that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains fully committed to securing the release of all schoolchildren and teachers abducted in recent 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 stated.

According to the Minister, security agencies have intensified intelligence gathering, surveillance operations and coordinated rescue missions under the direct instruction of the President to secure the freedom of the victims and apprehend those behind the attacks.

Highlighting recent successes recorded by security forces, Idris disclosed that troops under Operation Hadin Kai in the North-East have continued to record significant gains against terrorist groups.

He said more than 50 terrorists were recently neutralised during follow-up operations in Borno State, while several high-value targets and terrorist infrastructure have been destroyed through coordinated military actions.

The Minister also revealed 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 networks and enhanced protection of critical national infrastructure.

According to him, the increasing success of Nigeria’s counter-terrorism campaign is being driven by stronger inter-agency collaboration, improved intelligence sharing, enhanced surveillance capabilities and deeper 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,” Idris said.

Beyond military operations, the Minister highlighted judicial efforts aimed at ensuring accountability for terrorism-related crimes.

He pointed to recent convictions secured against perpetrators of the June 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, in Ondo State, and disclosed that hundreds of terrorism suspects are currently facing trial under Nigeria’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,” he said.

Idris also urged the media to exercise professionalism in reporting terrorism-related incidents, warning that extremist 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.

The Minister called on Nigerians to remain vigilant, provide credible information to security agencies and reject narratives designed to divide communities along ethnic, religious or political lines.

Reaffirming the government’s determination to restore peace and security nationwide, he expressed confidence that terrorism would ultimately be defeated through sustained collaboration and national unity.

“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 declared.

The briefing was attended by senior government and security officials, including the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Dr. Binyerem C. Ukaire; representatives from the office of the Security Adviser to the President (NSA), the Nigeria Police Force and the Armed Forces; presidential media aides; and other key stakeholders.