FG Classifies Kidnappers, Bandits as Terrorists in Major Security Shift

The Federal Government has formally designated kidnappers and violent armed groups operating across Nigeria as terrorists, marking a significant escalation in the country’s response to widespread abductions, attacks on farmers, and persistent community violence.

The announcement was made on Monday in Abuja by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, during the Federal Government’s end-of-year press briefing.

Idris said the decision represents a clear shift from treating mass kidnappings and rural attacks as ordinary criminal activities, stressing that such groups will now face full counterterrorism measures.

“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,” the minister said.

According to him, the move puts an end to years of unclear classifications for violent groups wreaking havoc across the country.

“Now, the era of ambiguous nomenclature is over. If you terrorise our people, whether you are a group or you are an individual, you are a terrorist and will be classified as such. There is no name hiding under this again,” Idris added.

He explained that the designation would strengthen intelligence sharing and improve coordination among security agencies, allowing for faster and more decisive action against perpetrators of violence.

The minister also addressed Nigeria’s recent diplomatic tensions with the United States following comments by U.S. President Donald Trump, who had threatened military intervention over allegations of killings of Christians in Nigeria.

Idris said the disagreement had largely been resolved through diplomatic engagement. “The recent diplomatic spat with the United States has been largely resolved through a firm, respectful engagement culminating in a strengthened partnership between America and Nigeria,” he said.

Trump had, in October and November, described the situation facing Nigerian Christians as an “existential threat” and referred to it as “genocide,” comments that sparked mixed reactions. While some welcomed international attention, others cautioned against inflaming religious tensions.

Nigeria remains on Washington’s list of countries of “particular concern” over alleged violations of religious freedom. The country was also among those affected by new visa and immigration restrictions announced by the Trump administration last week.

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