Muhammed Abubakar, Reporting
ABUJA — The Federal Government has urged Nigerians, the media, civil society organisations and security agencies to strengthen collaboration in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism, warning that no single group can defeat the threat alone.
Speaking at a National Press Briefing in Abuja on Thursday, Information and National Orientation Minister Mohammed Idris declared that defeating terrorism requires a united national response that transcends political, ethnic, religious and regional divisions.
“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,” Mr Idris said, unveiling the national call to action under the hashtag #UniteAgainstTerror.
The Minister assured citizens that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains fully committed to securing the safe return of all abducted schoolchildren and teachers recently taken captive in separate attacks in Oyo and Borno States.
“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 bringing those responsible to justice,” he said.
Security agencies operating under direct presidential instruction have intensified intelligence gathering, surveillance operations and coordinated rescue efforts, the Minister disclosed.
Security Gains Recorded
Highlighting recent successes, Mr Idris noted that troops under Operation Hadin Kai in the North-East have continued to neutralise terrorists and rescue civilians. Over 50 terrorists were recently eliminated in follow-up operations in Borno State, while coordinated military actions have taken out dozens of high-value targets.
Operations across the North-West, North-Central, South-East and South-South regions have led to the dismantling of criminal camps and the disruption of kidnapping syndicates.
Judicial Breakthroughs
The Minister pointed to major legal victories, including recent convictions secured against perpetrators of the June 2022 terrorist attack on St Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, where scores of worshippers lost their lives.
He noted that one of the largest terrorism prosecution exercises in Nigeria’s history is now under way, with hundreds of suspects currently facing trial.
“Justice is an essential pillar of national security. The ongoing terrorism trials send a clear message that impunity will not prevail,” he said.
Appeal to Media
Mr Idris appealed to journalists to exercise professionalism and restraint when reporting terrorism-related incidents, warning that terrorists often seek publicity and psychological impact.
“Responsible journalism can help deny them the publicity they seek while keeping citizens properly informed,” he said.
The Minister urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, support security agencies with credible information and reject narratives designed to divide communities along ethnic, religious or political lines.
“Nigeria has faced difficult moments before and emerged stronger. We shall overcome this challenge as well,” he said.
The briefing was attended by the Permanent Secretary, Dr Binyerem C. Ukaire; representatives of the Inspector General of Police; Defence Information Director, Gen. Samaila Uba; and several presidential advisers.
