FG launches #UniteAgainstTerror campaign, assures rescue of abducted schoolchildren

Crime Diary, Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Federal Government has called on Nigerians, the media, civil society organisations and security agencies to strengthen collaboration in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism, declaring that national unity remains critical to defeating insecurity across the country.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the call on Thursday during a National Press Briefing in Abuja, where he unveiled the #UniteAgainstTerror campaign aimed at mobilising citizens against terrorism and criminal violence.

According to the minister, terrorism poses a threat to all Nigerians regardless of ethnicity, religion or political affiliation, making collective action essential.

“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.

He assured Nigerians that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains fully committed to securing the safe return of schoolchildren and teachers recently abducted in separate attacks in 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.

The minister disclosed that security agencies, acting on the President’s directive, have intensified intelligence gathering, surveillance and coordinated rescue operations aimed at securing the victims’ release and apprehending those responsible.

Highlighting recent security achievements, Idris said troops under Operation Hadin Kai have continued to record successes against insurgents in the North-East, including the elimination of more than 50 terrorists in recent operations in Borno State.

He added that security forces have also dismantled criminal camps, disrupted kidnapping networks and strengthened the protection of critical national assets across the North-West, North-Central, South-East and South-South regions.

According to him, Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts are yielding positive results due to improved intelligence sharing, stronger inter-agency cooperation, enhanced surveillance capabilities and strategic international partnerships.

“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.

The minister also highlighted recent judicial gains, including convictions secured against perpetrators of the June 2022 terrorist attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, which claimed the lives of dozens of worshippers.

He revealed that the Federal Government is currently prosecuting hundreds of terrorism suspects in what he described as one of the largest terrorism prosecution exercises in Nigeria’s history.

“Justice is an essential pillar of national security. Beyond military operations, the government is ensuring that those involved in acts of terrorism face the full weight of the law,” Idris said.

The minister urged media organisations to exercise professionalism and restraint in reporting terrorism-related incidents, warning that extremist groups often seek publicity and psychological impact through their actions.

He also called on Nigerians to remain vigilant, provide credible information to security agencies and reject divisive narratives capable of undermining national unity.

Idris reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting lives and property, expressing confidence that Nigeria would ultimately overcome the threat of terrorism through sustained cooperation among citizens, security agencies and other stakeholders.

“United in purpose and unwavering in resolve, we will ensure that terrorism has no future in Nigeria,” he said.