A significant step up in Nigeria’s reaction to kidnappings, assaults on farmers, and community violence has been the official designation of kidnappers and violent armed organizations as terrorists by the federal government.
At today’s end-of-year press briefing in Abuja, the minister of information, Mohammed Idris, made the announcement.
According to The PUNCH, this action shows that the government is no longer ignoring large kidnappings and attacks in rural areas as commonplace crimes, but is instead tackling them with full counterterrorism measures.
The abduction of our children, the assault of our farmers, and the terrorization of our communities by any armed group or individual is now officially recognized as terrorism and will be dealt with accordingly.
The days of confusing terminology are over. Any entity, be it an organization or an individual, that incites fear among our people will be labelled as a terrorist. Once again, the minister made it clear that no names were being concealed.
He went on to say that the policy would improve communication and cooperation across security services, which would lead to swifter responses.
The minister emphasized that there have been tangible benefits to enhanced cooperation between agencies, mentioning that in 2025, two of the most wanted offenders on a global scale were apprehended as a consequence of such concerted efforts.
To further his goal of protecting vulnerable rural areas, Idris has also announced the deployment of forest guards who will be equipped with surveillance equipment, local intelligence, and rapid response capabilities. These guards will be tasked with securing forests and other remote areas that criminal groups frequently use as hideouts.
The government’s decision to label kidnappers as terrorists sends a message of unwavering support for ending abductions and violence in rural areas, while also giving security personnel more authority.
Criminal supply routes will be disrupted, camps will be dismantled, and farming communities plagued by insecurity will be reassured through the forest guard effort.
He made a point of mentioning the capture of the ISWAP leader in Nigeria, who was characterized as one of the most wanted terrorists in Africa and who had a large bounty on his head from the US.
Thanks to the combined efforts of all the security services and intelligence community members, the most sought criminal on a global scale—the head of ISWAP who was living in Nigeria—has been apprehended.
“Remember that Abu Barra was apprehended not long ago, and that the National Security Advisor and other high-ranking officials introduced him to the public as well.
Our security agencies worked together to apprehend this man, who is among Africa’s most wanted terrorists.
It should be recalled that this individual was even subjected to a substantial financial penalty in order to ensure that he was apprehended and held accountable.
“This gentleman, along with his chief of staff, is currently undergoing and having their day in court, and they will receive justice that is fitting for them,” he stated.
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