The Federal Government on Thursday launched a nationwide campaign tagged #UniteAgainstTerror, calling on Nigerians, the media, civil society groups and security agencies to work together against terrorism and violent extremism.
Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris made the appeal during a national press briefing in Abuja, saying terrorism remains a threat to national security and requires a united response that cuts across political, ethnic, religious and regional divides.
"The Federal Government is rallying citizens, the media and security agencies in a united front against terrorism because an attack against one Nigerian is an attack against all Nigerians," Idris said.
"Terrorism has no tribe, no religion and no political affiliation. Its only purpose is destruction."
The minister said the campaign seeks to mobilise public support for ongoing security operations and encourage citizens to reject divisive narratives that fuel violence and insecurity.
Idris assured Nigerians that President Bola Tinubu remains committed to securing the release of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in recent attacks in Oyo and Borno states.
"I wish to assure all Nigerians that the safe return of every child and every teacher currently in captivity remains a top national priority," he said.
"The President has made it clear that no child belongs in captivity and that no effort will be spared in ensuring that those responsible for these heinous crimes are brought to justice."
According to the minister, security agencies have intensified intelligence gathering, surveillance and rescue operations under the President's directive to locate the victims and arrest those responsible.
The minister highlighted what he described as significant gains by security forces across the country.
He said troops under Operation Hadin Kai in the Northeast have continued to neutralise terrorists, rescue civilians and destroy terrorist infrastructure.
According to him, more than 50 terrorists were recently killed during follow-up operations in Borno State, while coordinated military actions have eliminated several high-value targets.
He added that operations across the Northwest, North-central, Southeast and South-south have disrupted kidnapping networks, dismantled criminal camps and improved protection of critical national infrastructure.
"What distinguishes our current approach is the combination of military pressure, intelligence-led operations, technology, regional cooperation and community engagement," Idris said.
"This comprehensive strategy is steadily degrading the operational capacity of terrorist and criminal groups."
The minister also pointed to recent court victories in terrorism-related cases, including convictions secured against perpetrators of the June 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State.
He said the government has launched one of the country's largest terrorism prosecution exercises, with hundreds of suspects currently facing trial under Nigeria's counterterrorism laws.
"Justice is an essential pillar of national security," Idris said.
"Beyond military operations, the government is ensuring that those involved in acts of terrorism face the full weight of the law."
Idris urged journalists to report terrorism-related incidents responsibly, warning that terrorist groups often seek publicity and psychological impact through media attention.
"While the media must continue to report accurately and responsibly, we must be careful not to inadvertently amplify the objectives of terrorists," he said.
He also called on Nigerians to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with credible information that could aid ongoing operations.
The minister expressed confidence that Nigeria would overcome the threat of terrorism through sustained cooperation among citizens, security agencies and government institutions.
"Nigeria has faced difficult moments before and emerged stronger," he said.
"We shall overcome this challenge as well. United in purpose and unwavering in resolve, we will ensure that terrorism has no future in Nigeria."
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