The Minister of information,Mohammed Idris,has highlighted significant achievements under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, including the killing of over 13,500 terrorists and the arrest of more than 17,000 suspects since May 2023.
He spoke at a press conference in Abuja, where detailed efforts in rescuing and rehabilitating over 9,800 victims,comprising women and children.
He emphasized that Nigeria’s security forces are composed of both Christian and Muslim personnel working together to combat extremism
He also responded to the United States government’s recent designation of the Nigeria as a “Country of Concern,” amid rising tensions and threats of military intervention.
He acknowledged the U.S. concerns over alleged violations of religious freedom, emphasizing that Nigeria recognizes the security challenges it faces since 2009, primarily due to Boko Haram and other extremist groups.
He said that terrorism in Nigeria targets all citizens, irrespective of religion or ethnicity, and condemned any narratives suggesting the government’s failure to tackle these threats.
Idris, who addressed the regional dimension of insecurity, pointing to the volatile Sahel region, the collapse of Libya, and the influx of terrorist elements and illegal weapons as complicating factors.
“Nigeria continues to advocate for regional and international cooperation, particularly within ECOWAS and the African Union, to address transnational threats” he said.
He detailed recent operations that led to the destruction of over 5,000 weapons and the interception of numerous arms-smuggling networks.
He also mentioned the acquisition of modern security equipment, including Super Tucano aircraft and attack helicopters, to bolster Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts.
Speaking in the ongoing trials of detention and prosecution of high-profile terror suspects, Idris reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the rule of law, stating that over 125 terrorists have been convicted so far.
He emphasized that Nigeria remains resolute in its mission to eliminate terrorism and criminality entirely.
Idris called for continued international support, noting Nigeria’s cooperation with the U.S., which has included the delivery of military aircraft vital to the anti-insurgency campaign.
He implored the U.S. and other partners to understand Nigeria’s complex socio-political landscape and to approach the security situation with empathy and constructive engagement.
He reassured Nigerians that the government is fully committed to safeguarding their liberty and religion while strengthening the nation’s economy and security architecture under President Tinubu’s leadership.
He expressed optimism on improved diplomatic relations and called for greater partnership in overcoming shared security challenges.
