Security Crisis: Federal Govt Vows Tougher Action Against Terrorists

The federal government has restated its determination to defeat terrorism, banditry, and other violent crimes across the country following a recent wave of attacks that has heightened public concern and anxiety.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, gave the assurance on Wednesday during a press briefing in Abuja, where he provided updates on the government’s response to the escalating security situation.

Addressing journalists, Idris conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s sympathies to families affected by recent violent incidents, including the killing of a senior Army General, the abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State, and an attack on a church in Kwara State.

“These heinous attacks on those dedicated to our protection, on our schoolchildren, and on places of worship only strengthen the resolve of the Federal Government to rise above the challenges and deal a permanent blow to terrorism,” he said.

The Minister confirmed that President Tinubu had postponed all international engagements — including the G20 meeting in South Africa — to focus entirely on the worsening security situation at home.

He disclosed that the President had ordered the deployment of additional military and police personnel to Eruku and the entire Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State in response to Sunday’s deadly attack.

Meanwhile, Idris announced that Vice President Kashim Shettima is currently in Birnin Kebbi on the President’s mandate, meeting with Governor Nasir Idris, security chiefs, traditional rulers, and families of the abducted schoolgirls.

His delegation includes the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda; Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Doro; Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Suleiman Ibrahim; and the Director General of NEMA, Hajiya Zubaida Umar.

The Minister further stated that President Tinubu has placed all security agencies on “the highest alert ever,” directing them to aggressively pursue and eliminate terrorists, bandits, and other criminal groups across the country. He emphasised that rescuing the abducted Kebbi schoolgirls remains a top national priority.

Responding to attempts to frame the security situation in religious terms, Idris warned against divisive rhetoric, insisting that the current challenges cannot be reduced to sectarian conflict.

“The Federal Government categorically refutes any characterisation of this situation along religious lines,” he said. “Such claims are not only factually inaccurate but dangerously counterproductive to the unity we need at this time.”

He noted that terrorism and banditry have affected Nigerians of all faiths and ethnicities, stressing that the roots of the crisis are complex and tied to socio-economic and security issues rather than religion.

The Minister urged Nigerians to reject misinformation, remain united, and recognise that the true enemies are the criminal elements working to destabilise the country.

“Nigeria is a multi-faith nation where the freedom of worship is constitutionally guaranteed,” he said. “At this critical time, all Nigerians must stand as one and recognise that our common enemies are terrorists, bandits, and criminals seeking to destabilise our nation.”

Idris concluded by expressing optimism that the abducted schoolgirls will soon be rescued, reaffirming the federal government’s unwavering commitment to restoring peace and security nationwide.