The Federal Government has intensified efforts to combat terrorism and kidnapping across the country, reaffirming its commitment to securing the release of abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo and Borno states.
As part of ongoing rescue operations, the government has activated a specialised rescue team and approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards to strengthen security in vulnerable communities and forested areas often exploited by criminal groups.
Addressing a national security briefing in Abuja, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers as a direct attack on the future of the nation. He assured Nigerians that the safe return of all victims remains a top priority and that every available security and intelligence resource is being deployed to secure their freedom.
According to the minister, security agencies have intensified intelligence gathering, aerial surveillance, community engagement, and coordinated search-and-rescue operations in affected areas. He explained that the government’s strategy extends beyond military action and focuses heavily on intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks and preventing future attacks.
Idris said the administration is also pursuing broader reforms within the country’s security architecture, including plans to strengthen policing structures and improve the capacity of law enforcement agencies to respond effectively to emerging security threats.
Highlighting progress made in the fight against terrorism and banditry, he noted that hundreds of terrorists, kidnappers, and other criminal elements have been neutralised, arrested, or forced to surrender since the current administration assumed office. He added that several kidnapped victims have also been rescued through sustained military and intelligence operations across different parts of the country.
The minister disclosed that recent military offensions in the North-East recorded significant successes, with security forces repelling terrorist attacks and eliminating numerous insurgents, including senior commanders. He further revealed that approximately 1,000 terrorists were killed during operations carried out in the first quarter of 2026.
He also pointed to successful joint operations that disrupted terrorist logistics networks and led to the rescue of civilians held captive by extremist groups. According to him, intensified military pressure has continued against bandit groups and kidnapping syndicates operating across several northern states, resulting in the destruction of criminal hideouts and the arrest of suspects.
In the South-East and South-South regions, security agencies have maintained operations targeting violent criminal groups, cult-related activities, oil theft, and economic sabotage. The government said these efforts have contributed to improved security around critical national assets and increased economic activity.
On the legal front, Idris stated that authorities have made substantial progress in terrorism-related prosecutions, with hundreds of suspects currently facing trial and many convictions already secured. He described the ongoing prosecution exercise as one of the largest counter-terrorism judicial efforts in the nation’s history.
The minister also highlighted Nigeria’s growing international security partnerships, particularly in intelligence sharing, military training, border management, counter-terrorism operations, and cybersecurity. He noted that cooperation between federal and state authorities has remained crucial in addressing security challenges and coordinating rescue efforts.
While acknowledging the gains recorded so far, Idris stressed that military operations alone cannot completely eradicate insecurity. He argued that lasting peace requires economic growth, infrastructure development, education, job creation, and improved living conditions for citizens.
He further linked the government’s security objectives to broader development initiatives aimed at addressing the root causes of instability, including investments in transportation, housing, healthcare, energy, and other critical sectors.
The minister urged media organisations and the public to support national security efforts by promoting responsible information sharing and avoiding the spread of unverified reports that could aid criminal elements. He noted that terrorist groups often rely on fear, misinformation, and public anxiety to achieve their objectives.
Calling for national unity, Idris emphasized that terrorism and kidnapping affect all Nigerians regardless of ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation. He reassured families of those still in captivity that security agencies remain fully committed to their rescue and that all available leads are being actively pursued.
He expressed confidence that through collective determination, stronger security measures, and continued cooperation among stakeholders, Nigeria will overcome the current security challenges and create a safer environment for its citizens, particularly schoolchildren and other vulnerable groups.
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