The Federal Government has called on Nigerians, the media, civil society organisations and security agencies to strengthen collaboration in the fight against terrorism and other forms of violent extremism threatening national peace and security.
Speaking at a national press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said defeating terrorism requires a united national response that transcends political, ethnic, religious and regional differences.
He said the Federal Government is rallying citizens and institutions under the national campaign, #UniteAgainstTerror, stressing that terrorism affects all Nigerians regardless of background.
“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,” he said.
Idris assured Nigerians that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to securing the safe release of all abducted schoolchildren and teachers recently taken captive in separate incidents in Oyo and Borno States.
He said security agencies, under presidential directives, have intensified intelligence gathering, surveillance operations and coordinated rescue efforts aimed at rescuing the victims and apprehending the perpetrators.
Highlighting ongoing military operations, the Minister said troops under Operation Hadin Kai in the North-East have continued to record successes, including the neutralisation of terrorists, rescue of civilians and destruction of terrorist infrastructure. He added that over 50 terrorists were recently killed in follow-up operations in Borno State.
He also noted that coordinated security operations across the North-West, North-Central, South-East and South-South have led to the dismantling of criminal camps and disruption of kidnapping syndicates.
According to him, Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts are yielding results due to improved inter-agency collaboration, intelligence sharing, enhanced surveillance and stronger international partnerships.
The Minister further referenced recent judicial outcomes, including convictions linked to the June 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, as well as ongoing prosecutions of hundreds of terrorism suspects under the country’s legal framework.
He urged the media to exercise professionalism and caution in reporting security incidents, warning that terrorists often seek publicity to amplify fear and psychological impact.
“Responsible journalism can help deny them the publicity they seek while keeping citizens properly informed,” he said.
Idris also called on Nigerians to remain vigilant, support security agencies with credible intelligence, and avoid narratives capable of deepening ethnic, religious or political divisions.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting lives and property, insisting that ongoing security operations will continue until terrorism and violent criminality are decisively defeated.
The briefing was attended by senior government and security officials, including the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Binyerem C. Ukaire; representatives of the Inspector General of Police; Director of Defence Information, Gen. Samaila Uba; and senior presidential aides.
