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The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with the United States and other international allies to eliminate terrorism in Nigeria, insisting that the country is making significant progress in its fight against violent extremism. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated this on Wednesday in Abuja while addressing journalists on the United States Government’s recent designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) over alleged violations of religious freedom. Idris described the categorisation as a result of misinformation and misinterpretation of Nigeria’s security realities, noting that terrorism in the country does not target any religious or ethnic group specifically. “Nigeria faces longstanding security challenges that have impacted Christians and Muslims alike, and we mourn every loss of life. Extremism is blind to religion, tribe or class. Any narrative suggesting that the Nigerian State is failing to take action against religious attacks is based on faulty data”, the Minister said. He said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has demonstrated strong political will to confront terrorism head-on, leading to what he called significant operational gains across the country. According to him, since May 2023, Nigerian security forces have neutralised over 13,500 terrorists, arrested more than 17,000 suspects, and rescued about 9,800 abducted victims. Idris also disclosed that over 124,000 insurgents and their families have surrendered to Nigerian forces, handing over thousands of weapons, while major terror leaders in the North-West and North-East have been eliminated. “In the South-East, terror attacks have reduced by almost 80 per cent through coordinated joint operations,” he added, noting ongoing efforts to reinforce security in parts of the North-Central impacted by farmer-herder clashes and resource competition aggravated by climate pressures. The Minister emphasised that recent changes in Service Chiefs and restructuring within the defence establishment were aimed at injecting energy, innovation and accountability into Nigeria’s security strategy. Touching on international cooperation, Idris highlighted the delivery of Super Tucano aircraft from the US and Nigeria’s ongoing acquisition of AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters as examples of productive collaboration. He urged Washington to engage Nigeria constructively and appreciate the complex security environment shaped by regional crises in the Sahel and the inflow of illegal arms after the collapse of Libya. “We warmly invite our partners to approach Nigeria’s situation with understanding. Constructive engagement is the surest path to stability,” he said. Idris assured Nigerians that the Tinubu administration remains committed to protecting constitutional freedoms, including religious liberty, while ensuring national security. “The government will not relent until the remnants of these hounds of death are permanently removed. Nigeria is in capable and steady hands with President Tinubu leading the charge to strengthen our security architecture and pursue shared prosperity,” he said. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to work closely with the United States and other allies to achieve the complete elimination of terrorism on Nigerian soil. ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
