The Federal Government has reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to partner with the United States and other international allies in the ongoing fight against terrorism, saying the country is making notable progress in dismantling extremist networks and restoring peace.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated this on Wednesday in Abuja while responding to the recent decision by the United States Government to list Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) over alleged violations of religious freedom.
Idris described the designation as a misunderstanding of Nigeria’s complex security landscape, stressing that acts of terrorism in the country are not driven by religion or ethnicity.
“Nigeria’s security challenges affect both Christians and Muslims alike, and we mourn every life lost. Extremism in our country is blind to tribe, religion, or class. Any claim that the Nigerian government is indifferent to religiously motivated attacks is based on inaccurate data,” the Minister said.
He explained that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has shown strong political will to defeat terrorism and has backed the military with resources and reforms that have yielded tangible results nationwide.
According to him, since May 2023, Nigerian security forces have neutralised more than 13,500 terrorists, arrested over 17,000 suspects, and rescued nearly 9,800 abducted persons.
The Minister further revealed that over 124,000 insurgents and their family members have surrendered to government forces, handing over large caches of weapons. Several notorious terror leaders in the North-East and North-West have also been eliminated.
Idris noted that terror-related incidents in the South-East have dropped by nearly 80 per cent, thanks to coordinated operations, while efforts are ongoing to strengthen security in the North-Central region, where farmer-herder clashes and resource competition remain key challenges.
He added that recent changes in the military high command and restructuring within the defence sector were introduced to inject fresh energy, innovation, and accountability into the nation’s security strategy.
On international cooperation, the Minister cited Nigeria’s ongoing defence collaboration with the United States, including the acquisition of Super Tucano aircraft and AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters, as evidence of mutual commitment to defeating terrorism.
“We encourage our partners, especially the United States, to engage Nigeria with empathy and understanding of our realities. Constructive partnership remains the best path to lasting peace and stability,” he stated.
Idris assured Nigerians that the Tinubu administration remains firmly committed to upholding constitutional freedoms, including religious liberty, while safeguarding national security.
“This government will not rest until the last remnants of these enemies of peace are wiped out. Nigeria is in capable hands under President Tinubu’s leadership, as we continue to strengthen our security architecture and pursue shared prosperity,” he said.
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