The Federal Government has called on Nigerians, the media, civil society organisations and security agencies to unite against terrorism and violent extremism, insisting that defeating insecurity requires a collective national effort.
Speaking at a national press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, unveiled the #UniteAgainstTerror campaign, describing terrorism as a threat that transcends ethnic, religious and political divides.
“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,” Idris said.
“Terrorism has no tribe, no religion, and no political affiliation. Its only purpose is destruction.”
The minister assured Nigerians that President Bola Tinubu remains committed to securing the release of schoolchildren and teachers recently abducted in separate attacks in Oyo and Borno states.
“The safe return of every child and every teacher currently in captivity remains a top national priority,” he said.
“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.”
According to Idris, security agencies have intensified intelligence gathering, surveillance and coordinated rescue operations under the President’s directive to secure the victims’ release and apprehend those behind the attacks.
Highlighting recent gains in the fight against terrorism, the minister said troops under Operation Hadin Kai and other security operations across the country have continued to neutralise terrorists, dismantle criminal camps and disrupt kidnapping networks.
He attributed the successes to stronger collaboration among security agencies, intelligence sharing, technology deployment and international partnerships.
“What distinguishes our current approach is the combination of military pressure, intelligence-led operations, technology, regional cooperation, and community engagement,” he said.
“This comprehensive strategy is steadily degrading the operational capacity of terrorist and criminal groups.”
Idris also pointed to recent convictions secured against those involved in the 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, and disclosed that hundreds of terrorism suspects are currently facing trial in one of the country’s largest terrorism prosecution exercises.
“Justice is an essential pillar of national security,” he said.
“The ongoing terrorism trials and recent convictions send a clear message that impunity will not prevail.”
The minister urged media organisations to report terrorism-related incidents responsibly, warning that terrorist groups often seek publicity and psychological impact through their actions.
“While the media must continue to report accurately and responsibly, we must be careful not to inadvertently amplify the objectives of terrorists,” he said.
He also called on citizens to remain vigilant, support security agencies with credible information and reject divisive narratives.
“United in purpose and unwavering in resolve, we will ensure that terrorism has no future in Nigeria,” Idris stated.
The briefing was attended by senior government and security officials, including representatives of the Nigeria Police Force, the Armed Forces, and the Presidency.