The minister of information and national orientation, Mohammed Idris, says President Bola Tinubu has heightened the nation’s security framework to its “highest alert” in response to a series of attacks in different parts of the country.
Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday at a press briefing on the recent terrorist incidents in Kebbi and Kwara states, Idris noted that the president has extended his condolences to families affected by the killings, abductions, and other criminal activities.
He added that Tinubu had instructed the military, police, and intelligence agencies to “actively pursue and eliminate terrorists, bandits and criminal elements wherever they may be”.
The minister also said the president had mandated security forces to urgently secure the release of the abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi.
Idris described the murder of a senior army general, the kidnapping of students in Kebbi, and the attack on a church in Kwara as “painful reminders of the threats confronting the nation”.
He explained that the latest developments had further strengthened the administration’s commitment to eradicating terrorism and banditry, noting that Tinubu had postponed his planned international engagements, including the G20 meeting in South Africa, to prioritise national security.
He also revealed that more military and police personnel had been deployed to the Eruku community and other areas in Ekiti LGA of Kwara.
The minister said Vice-President Kashim Shettima had been directed by the president to travel to Birnin Kebbi, where he has been meeting with the state governor, security chiefs, traditional leaders, and families of the abducted students.
According to him, Tinubu has ordered all security agencies to “neutralise and dismantle” terrorist networks across the country.
Idris further rejected attempts to portray the security challenges as religiously motivated.
He stressed that the federal government “categorically refutes any sectarian interpretation”, emphasising that terrorism and banditry have victimised Nigerians irrespective of their faith.
He said: “In this critical moment, national unity is our most powerful asset.”
He reiterated that Nigeria remains a multi-faith nation with constitutionally guaranteed freedom of worship, calling on citizens to support security agencies and resist misinformation and division.
The minister expressed optimism that ongoing operations would result in the rescue of the abducted schoolgirls and the restoration of peace to affected communities.
Earlier, George Akume, secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), said recent remarks by US President Donald Trump on Nigeria’s security situation have emboldened violent groups seeking to exploit global narratives to carry out new attacks.
Trump had recently labelled Nigeria a “country of particular concern”, accusing the government of failing to address attacks on Christians.