The Nigerian government has declared an unequivocal stance against all violent actors, asserting that any individual or group responsible for terrorizing citizens will now be formally classified as a terrorist. This significant policy shift, announced by Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris, signals a robust zero-tolerance approach and a firm commitment to decisive action across the nation, aiming to bring clarity and strength to the country’s security architecture.
Speaking during an end-of-year media briefing in Abuja and in a subsequent interview with Channels Television, Minister Idris underscored the administration’s sharpened focus on security and accountability. These, he stated, are critical pillars for national development and stability as the government outlines its strategic priorities for 2026. He emphasized the government’s unwavering dedication to protecting its citizens and ensuring the safety of communities nationwide, marking a clear departure from previous ambiguous classifications for perpetrators of violence.
“This is the declaration that Mr. President has made. Now the era of ambiguous nomenclature is over. If you terrorize our people, whether you are a group or you are an individual, you are a terrorist and you will be classified as such. There is no any name hiding under this,” Idris stated emphatically. This declaration is designed to strengthen law enforcement and security measures across all regions, leaving absolutely no room for misinterpretation regarding the government’s intent to identify, pursue, and prosecute those who threaten public peace and order.
The minister further explained that this unambiguous definition forms an integral part of a broader, more cohesive strategy designed specifically to safeguard vulnerable populations. This includes protecting farmers, children, and numerous communities that have frequently been targeted by an array of criminal networks, including bandits, kidnappers, and various insurgent groups operating across Nigeria’s diverse landscape. By removing ambiguity, the government seeks to significantly enhance operational efficiency for security agencies and ensure that perpetrators face justice under the full extent of Nigerian law.
Nigeria’s evolving security strategy, as comprehensively outlined by Minister Idris, will necessitate robust and coordinated collaboration among various federal and state agencies. This includes vital contributions from law enforcement bodies, intelligence services, and military formations operating in concert. The strategic focus extends beyond merely neutralizing immediate threats; it also encompasses building long-term institutional capacity to proactively prevent future violence and to consistently bolster public confidence in state institutions, fostering a sense of security among the populace.
The year 2025 presented a complex and often challenging security landscape for Nigeria. While the country observed pockets of tangible progress in counterinsurgency operations, particularly against Boko Haram remnants, and some successes in crime reduction initiatives, persistent and formidable challenges remained prevalent. These included widespread banditry in the North-West, ongoing insurgency in the North-East, and recurring communal conflicts in various regions, highlighting the urgent need for a unified and resolute approach.
Idris affirmed the administration’s unwavering commitment to reinforcing accountability and transparency within all security operations. This pledge ensures that actions undertaken by security forces adhere strictly to established legal frameworks and international human rights standards, a crucial step in gaining trust. Such an approach is expected to foster greater public trust and actively encourage citizen cooperation, which is vital in identifying, reporting, and ultimately mitigating security threats more effectively across local communities.
Beyond immediate enforcement and reactive security measures, the government intends to prioritize comprehensive preventive strategies as a cornerstone of its long-term vision. These initiatives include intensified community engagement programs designed to bridge divides, youth empowerment initiatives aimed at providing viable alternatives to violence and criminality, and widespread educational campaigns. These campaigns are specifically designed to reduce susceptibility to extremist ideologies and propaganda.
Such holistic approaches are envisioned to complement operational responses to terrorism, creating a more resilient and secure national environment. By addressing both the symptoms and root causes of insecurity, the government aims to build enduring peace and stability, ensuring that future generations are protected from the cycles of violence that have plagued certain parts of the country.
This proactive and unambiguous stance represents a critical pivot in Nigeria’s ongoing fight against insecurity. It underscores a national resolve to confront and dismantle networks of violence with renewed vigour, fostering an environment where citizens can live without pervasive fear. This foundational shift is essential for sustained economic growth and social stability, laying a crucial groundwork as the nation strategically looks towards the opportunities and challenges of 2026 and beyond.
