FG Launches #UniteAgainstTerror Campaign, Calls for Nationwide Action Against Terrorism
Abuja — The Federal Government has called on Nigerians, the media, civil society organisations, and security agencies to work together in combating terrorism and violent extremism, stressing that national unity remains critical to defeating insecurity across the country.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the call on Thursday during a National Press Briefing in Abuja under the theme #UniteAgainstTerror.
According to the minister, terrorism poses a threat to all Nigerians regardless of ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation, making a collective national response imperative.
“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 explained that the #UniteAgainstTerror campaign is aimed at mobilising Nigerians to stand together against terrorism, violent extremism, and criminality.
The minister also reassured Nigerians that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to securing the release of schoolchildren and teachers recently abducted in separate incidents 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 stated.
Idris disclosed that security agencies have intensified intelligence gathering, surveillance operations, and rescue efforts under the President’s directive to ensure the victims are safely returned and those responsible are apprehended.
Highlighting recent successes in the fight against terrorism, the minister said troops of Operation Hadin Kai in the North-East have continued to record significant gains, including the elimination of more than 50 terrorists during 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 infrastructure across the North-West, North-Central, South-East, and South-South regions.
According to him, Nigeria’s growing success against terrorist groups is driven by stronger collaboration among security agencies, improved intelligence sharing, enhanced surveillance technology, 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 further highlighted recent judicial victories in the fight against terrorism, including convictions secured against individuals involved in the June 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State.
He noted that the Federal Government has also launched one of the country’s largest terrorism prosecution exercises, with hundreds of suspects currently facing trial.
“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. The ongoing terrorism trials and recent convictions send a clear message that impunity will not prevail,” Idris said.
The minister urged media organisations to maintain professionalism when reporting terrorism-related incidents, warning that sensational coverage could inadvertently advance the objectives of terrorist groups.
“While the media must continue to report accurately and responsibly, we must be careful not to inadvertently amplify the objectives of terrorists. Responsible journalism can help deny them the publicity they seek while keeping citizens properly informed,” he added.
He also encouraged Nigerians to remain vigilant, provide credible information to security agencies, and reject divisive narratives that could fuel ethnic, religious, or political tensions.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to restoring peace and security, Idris expressed confidence that Nigeria would ultimately overcome terrorism through sustained cooperation between citizens and security institutions.
“Nigeria has faced difficult moments before and emerged stronger. We shall overcome this challenge as well. United in purpose and unwavering in resolve, we will ensure that terrorism has no future in Nigeria,” he said.
The briefing was attended by several senior government and security officials, including Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Dr. Binyerem C. Ukaire; the Inspector-General of Police, represented by Force Public Relations Officer DCP Anthony Okon Placid; Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba; Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare; and other presidential aides and dignitaries.
