Rising security threats: FG vows unwavering fight against terrorism
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris
Abdullateef Fowewe
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has outlined the Federal Government’s intensified efforts to combat terrorism and restore security in Nigeria at a press briefing in Radio House, Abuja.
The Minister who shared his speech on Thursday via his X handle began by expressing President Bola Tinubu’s heartfelt sympathy to victims of violence, highlighting recent incidents including the killing of a high-ranking Army General, the abduction of students in Kebbi State, and a church attack in Kwara State.
He described these events as “a stark and painful reminder of the threat we face,” adding that they “only strengthen the resolve of the Federal Government to rise above the challenges and deal a permanent blow to terrorism.”
In a move emphasising the seriousness of the crisis, Tinubu has postponed his international engagements, including the G20 meeting in South Africa, to focus on national security.
Significant security deployments have been ordered, with more personnel sent to Eruku and the entire Ekiti Local Government Area in Kwara State.
Meanwhile, Vice President Kashim Shettima had led a delegation in Birnin Kebbi to coordinate with local officials and families affected by the recent abductions.
The group includes key government figures like the National Chairman of the APC, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, and several ministers.
The Minister stated, “The President has put our nation’s security apparatuses on the highest alert ever, and has deployed to actively pursue and eliminate terrorists, bandits, and criminal elements wherever they may be in Nigeria.”
He added that security forces have been mandated to “swiftly rescue the abducted Kebbi school girls and reunite them with their families.”
Addressing a dangerous narrative concerning the nature of Nigeria’s security challenges, the Federal Government rejects dividing the issue along sectarian or religious lines.
The Minister firmly stated, “Such claims are not only factually inaccurate but are also dangerously counterproductive to the national unity required to overcome our shared challenges.”
He underscored that Nigeria’s security problems are multifaceted, involving terrorism, banditry, and criminality affecting all ethnic and religious groups.
“These forces of evil do not discriminate by faith,” he said, stressing that such threats undermine the country’s very fabric.
The government reiterated its stance that “Nigeria is a multi-faith nation where the freedom of worship is constitutionally guaranteed and must be upheld by everyone.”
He concluded with a call for unity and vigilance, “At this critical time, it is imperative for all Nigerians to stand as one. We must reject misinformation and division,” the Minister urged, asserting that the government remains “optimistic that the abducted Kebbi school girls will be rescued and safely returned to their families.”
