The Federal Government has formally classified kidnappers and violent armed groups operating across the country as terrorists, signalling a major shift in Nigeria’s strategy to combat abductions, banditry and attacks on farmers and rural communities.
The declaration was made on Monday by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, during the Federal Government’s end-of-year press briefing in Abuja.
With the new designation, acts of mass kidnapping, attacks on farmlands and raids on villages will no longer be treated as ordinary criminal offences but prosecuted and confronted within the framework of counterterrorism operations.
Idris said President Bola Tinubu had approved the policy to end what he described as years of “ambiguous nomenclature” that allowed criminal gangs to evade the full weight of the law.
“Henceforth, any armed group or individual that kidnaps our children, attacks our farmers and terrorises our communities is officially classified and will be dealt with as a terrorist organisation,” the minister said.
“The era of ambiguous nomenclature is over. If you terrorise our people, whether as a group or as an individual, you are a terrorist. There is no name to hide under again.”
The minister explained that the move would strengthen intelligence sharing and enhance coordination among security agencies, enabling faster, more decisive and unified responses to violent crimes, particularly in rural and agrarian communities.
He disclosed that improved inter-agency collaboration had already begun yielding results, citing the arrest of two internationally wanted criminals in 2025 through joint security operations.
As part of measures to secure forests and remote areas often used as criminal hideouts, Idris said the government had begun deploying trained and properly equipped forest guards nationwide.
According to him, the forest guard initiative combines surveillance, local intelligence gathering and rapid-response operations aimed at disrupting criminal supply routes, dismantling camps and restoring confidence among farmers and residents affected by persistent insecurity.
Highlighting recent successes, the minister said coordinated efforts among security and intelligence agencies led to the capture of some of Africa’s most wanted terror suspects.
“The ISWAP head residing in Nigeria has been captured through the coordination of all the security agencies and the intelligence community,” he said.
“Abu Barra was also captured a few months ago and presented to the public by the National Security Adviser and other security chiefs.
He is one of the most wanted terrorists on the African continent and even had a bounty placed on him by the Americans.”
Idris added that the suspects, alongside their key lieutenants, are currently facing trial and will be made to face justice.
The Federal Government said the new classification underscores its resolve to end widespread insecurity, protect farmers and rural dwellers, and dismantle criminal networks threatening national stability.
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
