The Federal Government has announced major gains in the fight against insecurity, disclosing that over 13,500 terrorists have been neutralized and more than 17,000 suspects arrested since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took office in May 2023.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, stated this on Wednesday at a press conference on the state of the nation held at the National Press Centre, Radio House, Abuja.
He said President Tinubu remains unwavering in his resolve to end the nation’s security challenges, stressing that security agencies have intensified operations and recorded remarkable progress across all regions.
“The President is more than determined to confront and end these security challenges. Since May 2023, Nigeria’s security agencies have neutralized more than 13,500 terrorists through sustained operations and arrested over 17,000 suspects, who are now undergoing interrogation or prosecution for various offences.
Also, more than 9,800 victims abducted by terrorist elements, including women and children, have been rescued and reintegrated,” Idris said.
The Minister dismissed the perception that the Nigerian state is failing to protect its citizens from religiously motivated attacks, insisting that terrorism in the country is not targeted at any particular religion or ethnic group.
He emphasized that extremism is blind to faith or tribe, describing it as “a war against all peace-loving Nigerians.”
Addressing concerns over the United States government’s recent designation of Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” and threats of military action by former President Donald Trump, Idris described the move as a result of misinformation and misrepresentation of Nigeria’s security realities.
He stressed that Nigeria has taken note of the U.S. position on alleged violations of religious freedom, reaffirming that both Christians and Muslims have suffered the effects of insecurity since the emergence of Boko Haram in 2009.
Idris highlighted that the government’s counterterrorism efforts are being reinforced by recent changes in Service Chiefs and realignment within the armed forces, designed to inject innovation, accountability, and stronger coordination in national defence.
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In the last two years, he said, the military recovered and destroyed over 5,000 rifles, dismantled 20 gun-running networks, and secured the surrender of more than 124,000 insurgents and their families who handed over 11,000 weapons.
He added that in the North-East alone, 592 terrorists were neutralized in Borno State in eight months, while in Zamfara and Kaduna States, more than 11,000 hostages were freed and key terror leaders — including Ali Kachala, Boderi, and Halilu Sububu — were eliminated.
In the South-East, terror attacks were said to have dropped by nearly 80 percent due to the combined efforts of security forces, while operations continue in the North-Central to contain emerging threats.
The Minister also confirmed that several high-profile terrorists, including Mahmud Muhammad Usman, Abubakar Abba, and Khalid Al-Barnawi, are currently undergoing prosecution for their roles in major terror attacks across the country.
He said 125 terrorists have already been convicted, with hundreds of others facing trial under the supervision of the Attorney-General of the Federation.
On international collaboration, Idris noted that Nigeria continues to work closely with the United States and other partners to strengthen its counterterrorism operations, citing the delivery of Super Tucano aircraft and plans to acquire 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters for the Nigerian Air Force.
He urged global partners to approach Nigeria’s security situation with understanding, emphasizing that the Tinubu administration welcomes dialogue and cooperation to achieve lasting peace.
“The Federal Government will not recline until the remnants of these hounds of death are permanently removed. President Tinubu is leading the charge to secure our nation, strengthen our military, and ensure every Nigerian lives free from fear,” Idris stated.
He reaffirmed that Nigeria remains committed to upholding citizens’ rights, religious freedom, and constitutional liberties, urging continued support from citizens and international allies in the country’s collective fight against terrorism.
The Shield Online
