The Federal Government has called for a united national front involving citizens, the media, civil society organisations, and security agencies in the ongoing fight against terrorism and violent extremism across the country.
Speaking at a national press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said defeating terrorism requires collective responsibility that transcends political, ethnic, religious, and regional divisions.
“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, adding that the initiative is anchored on the national campaign hashtag #UniteAgainstTerror.
He assured Nigerians that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains fully committed to securing the release of abducted schoolchildren and teachers in recent attacks reported in parts of 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.
According to him, security agencies, operating under presidential directives, have intensified intelligence-led operations, surveillance, and coordinated rescue missions aimed at tracking down perpetrators and securing victims.
The Minister also highlighted ongoing military operations across the country, noting gains recorded under Operation Hadin Kai in the North-East, where dozens of terrorists were reportedly neutralised and infrastructure destroyed.
He further stated that similar operations across the North-West, North-Central, South-East, and South-South have led to the disruption of kidnapping networks and criminal hideouts.
According to Idris, improved inter-agency cooperation, intelligence sharing, technology deployment, and regional partnerships are strengthening Nigeria’s counter-terrorism response.
“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.
He also referenced recent judicial outcomes, including convictions linked to the June 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State, describing them as evidence of progress in accountability and justice delivery.
“The ongoing terrorism trials and recent convictions send a clear message that impunity will not prevail,” he said, adding that hundreds of suspects are currently facing trial under Nigeria’s counter-terrorism laws.
The Minister urged the media to exercise responsibility in reporting security incidents, warning that terrorists often rely on publicity to amplify their impact.
“Responsible journalism can help deny them the publicity they seek while keeping citizens properly informed,” he said.
Idris called on Nigerians to support security agencies with credible intelligence and to reject narratives capable of deepening divisions.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to sustaining security operations until terrorism and violent crime are decisively defeated.
The briefing was attended by senior government officials and security representatives, including the Inspector-General of Police, represented by Force PRO, and other top defence and presidential aides.
