The Federal Government has called for a broad national alliance involving citizens, the media, civil society organisations, traditional institutions and security agencies to confront terrorism and violent extremism, declaring that defeating insecurity requires a united national response rather than government action alone.
The call formed the centrepiece of a national security briefing addressed by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, in Abuja on Thursday under the theme #UniteAgainstTerror.
The minister said terrorist groups thrive on fear, division, misinformation and public despair, warning that their ultimate objective extends beyond attacks and abductions to undermining national unity and public confidence in state institutions.
According to him, the Federal Government’s renewed appeal for collective action comes amid recent security incidents, including the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State and a terrorist attack on a school in Borno State.
Idris stressed that the broader fight against terrorism must involve all segments of society.
“Government action alone is not enough. Defeating terrorism requires a whole-of-society approach,” he said.
The minister said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed all relevant security and intelligence agencies to intensify ongoing rescue operations and ensure that those behind the attacks are brought to justice.
He added that the President had authorised the deployment of specialised rescue teams and approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards to strengthen security coverage in vulnerable communities and forest corridors.
Idris used the briefing to outline what he described as significant progress in Nigeria’s counter-terrorism campaign, pointing to sustained military operations, intelligence-driven interventions and judicial actions against terrorism suspects.
According to him, troops operating in the North-East have continued to degrade the operational capabilities of Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters through coordinated land and air offensives.
He disclosed that recent military operations in Borno State led to the elimination of more than 50 terrorists, while approximately 1,000 insurgents and their commanders were neutralised during the first quarter of 2026.
The minister also highlighted a recent joint operation involving Nigerian security forces and international partners which disrupted terrorist logistics networks, eliminated key commanders and facilitated the rescue of civilians held in captivity.
Idris said the government was recording notable successes through the justice system.
He cited the conviction and sentencing of four terrorists involved in the June 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, describing the judgment as evidence of the government’s determination to ensure accountability for acts of terror.
He further revealed that more than 500 terrorism suspects are currently undergoing trial in what he described as one of the largest terrorism prosecution exercises in the country’s history.
According to him, recent proceedings involving 508 terrorism-related cases resulted in 386 convictions, reinforcing the government’s commitment to tackling terrorism through both security operations and legal processes.
The minister also emphasised the importance of international collaboration, noting that Nigeria has strengthened security partnerships with the United States and other countries in areas such as intelligence sharing, counter-terrorism operations, military training, border security and cybersecurity.
he said cooperation between the Federal Government and state governments has continued to play a crucial role in addressing security challenges across the country.
Idris also linked long-term security to economic development, arguing that sustainable peace cannot be achieved without addressing poverty, unemployment and social exclusion.
He said the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms and infrastructure projects are aimed at expanding opportunities, improving connectivity and creating conditions that discourage criminality and violent extremism.
The minister urged media organisations to exercise responsibility in the reporting of terrorism-related incidents, cautioning against sensational coverage that could inadvertently amplify the objectives of terrorist groups.
he said responsible journalism remains essential to protecting national security and public confidence.
He also called on citizens to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities and reject narratives capable of deepening ethnic, religious or political divisions.
“Terrorism has no tribe, no religion and no political affiliation. Its only purpose is destruction,” he said.
The minister said the government remained fully committed to securing the release of all victims and restoring peace to affected communities.
He expressed confidence that with sustained cooperation among citizens, security agencies and government institutions, Nigeria would overcome the threat of terrorism and emerge stronger.
