The Federal Government has declared that any armed group involved in the kidnapping of children, attacks on farmers, or the terrorisation of communities across the country will henceforth be treated as a terrorist organisation.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made this known while addressing concerns over the worsening security situation in parts of the country in his end of the year media briefing today.
“Henceforth, any armed group that kidnaps our children, attacks our farmers, or terrorises our communities is officially classified and will be dealt with as a terrorist organisation,” the minister stated.
According to Idris, the government’s decision signals a tougher stance against criminal elements whose activities have continued to threaten lives, livelihoods, and national stability.
He stressed that the classification would empower security agencies to deploy stronger legal and operational measures against such groups.
The minister noted that the persistent targeting of schools, farmlands, and rural communities by armed groups has not only disrupted education and food production but has also deepened insecurity and displacement across several states.
He assured Nigerians that the Federal Government remains committed to restoring peace and protecting citizens, adding that security agencies have been mandated to act decisively within the framework of the law.
Idris further urged communities to cooperate with security forces by providing timely intelligence, emphasizing that defeating terrorism and banditry requires collective effort.
