FG Launches #UniteAgainstTerror Campaign, Rallies Nigerians Against Extremism
The Federal Government has launched a national campaign tagged #UniteAgainstTerror, calling on Nigerians, the media, civil society organisations, and security agencies to strengthen collaboration in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism threatening national peace and security.
Speaking at a national press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the campaign is designed to mobilise a united national front that transcends political, ethnic, religious, and regional divides.
In a statement signed by Rabiu Ibrahim, Special Assistant (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation said the minister stressed that terrorism poses a common threat to all Nigerians, insisting that collective action remains essential to defeating it.
“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. Terrorism has no tribe, no religion, and no political affiliation. Its only purpose is destruction,” Idris said.
He explained that the #UniteAgainstTerror initiative represents a renewed national call to action, urging citizens to stand together against violent extremism and criminality.
The Minister assured Nigerians that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains fully committed to securing the safe return of schoolchildren and teachers recently abducted in separate incidents 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. No child belongs in captivity, and no effort will be spared in ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice,” he said.
He disclosed that security agencies, acting on presidential directives, have intensified intelligence gathering, surveillance operations, and coordinated rescue missions aimed at securing the release of the victims.
Idris highlighted recent operational successes recorded by the military and other security agencies, noting that troops under Operation HADIN KAI in the North-East have continued to neutralise terrorists, rescue civilians, and destroy insurgent infrastructure.
He said over 50 terrorists were recently eliminated in follow-up operations in Borno State, while several high-value targets have also been neutralised through coordinated military action.
According to him, similar security operations across the North-West, North-Central, South-East, and South-South have led to the dismantling of criminal camps, disruption of kidnapping syndicates, and improved protection of critical national assets.
He attributed the gains to improved inter-agency coordination, intelligence sharing, enhanced surveillance systems, and stronger international partnerships.
“What distinguishes our current approach is the combination of military pressure, intelligence-led operations, technology, regional cooperation, and community engagement. This comprehensive strategy is steadily degrading the operational capacity of terrorist and criminal groups,” the Minister said.
The Minister also pointed to key judicial milestones in the counter-terrorism campaign, including recent convictions linked to the June 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State, which left scores of worshippers dead.
He added that the Federal Government has commenced one of the largest terrorism prosecution exercises in Nigeria’s history, with hundreds of suspects currently undergoing trial under the country’s counter-terrorism legal framework.
“Justice is an essential pillar of national security. Beyond military operations, the government is ensuring that those involved in acts of terrorism face the full weight of the law. The ongoing terrorism trials and recent convictions send a clear message that impunity will not prevail,” he said.
Idris urged the media to exercise professionalism and caution in reporting terrorism-related incidents, noting that extremist groups often rely on publicity to amplify fear and psychological impact.
“While the media must continue to report accurately and responsibly, we must be careful not to inadvertently amplify the objectives of terrorists. Responsible journalism can help deny them the publicity they seek while keeping citizens properly informed,” he said.
He also called on Nigerians to remain vigilant, support security agencies with credible intelligence, and reject narratives capable of deepening ethnic, religious, or political divisions.
The Minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting lives and property, assuring that ongoing security operations would continue until terrorism and violent criminality are decisively defeated.
“Nigeria has faced difficult moments before and emerged stronger. We shall overcome this challenge as well. United in purpose and unwavering in resolve, we will ensure that terrorism has no future in Nigeria,” he said.
He expressed confidence that sustained collaboration between citizens, institutions, and security agencies would ultimately deliver a safer and more secure country.
The briefing was attended by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Dr. Binyerem C. Ukaire; representatives of the Inspector General of Police; Director of Defence Information, Gen. Samaila Uba; Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare; and other senior presidential media aides and security officials.
By TimesNG