The Federal Government has formally designated kidnappers and violent armed groups operating across Nigeria as terrorists, signaling a tougher national approach to rampant abductions, attacks on farmers, and ongoing community violence.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, at the Federal Government’s end-of-year press briefing in Abuja on Monday, December 22.
Idris explained that the new classification marks a departure from treating mass kidnappings and rural attacks as ordinary crimes, noting that those responsible will now face full counterterrorism measures.
“From this point forward, any armed group or individual that kidnaps our children, attacks our farmers, or terrorises our communities will be officially classified and dealt with as a terrorist,” the minister stated.
He said the move puts an end to years of unclear or misleading labels used to describe violent groups across the country.
“The era of ambiguous naming is over. Anyone who terrorises our people, whether individually or collectively, is a terrorist. There is no longer any name to hide behind,” Idris added.
According to him, the policy will enhance intelligence sharing and improve coordination among security agencies, enabling quicker and more decisive responses to security threats.
The minister also commented on recent diplomatic tensions between Nigeria and the United States following remarks by US President Donald Trump, who had threatened military action over alleged killings of Christians in Nigeria.
Idris said the issue had largely been resolved through diplomatic dialogue.
“The recent diplomatic disagreement with the United States has been mostly settled through firm and respectful engagement, resulting in a stronger partnership between Nigeria and America,” he said.
President Trump had previously claimed, in October and November, that Nigerian Christians were facing an “existential threat,” describing the situation as “genocide” amid Nigeria’s security challenges.
Nigeria remains on the US list of countries of “particular concern” over alleged violations of religious freedom and was also affected by new visa and immigration restrictions announced last week by the Trump administration.
