By Erewunmi Peace

The Federal Government of Nigeria has declared that any individual or group that terrorises citizens will be classified and treated as terrorists, regardless of the name or label they operate under.

The declaration was made by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, during a recent press briefing in Abuja, as part of the government’s renewed efforts to tackle insecurity across the country.

According to Idris, the era of ambiguous terminology for violent criminals is over, stressing that kidnappers, bandits, and other armed actors who inflict fear and violence on communities will no longer be described with soft or unclear labels.

“If you terrorise our people, whether you’re a group or an individual, you are a terrorist,” the minister stated.

The minister explained that the new stance will enable security agencies to apply full counter-terrorism laws and strategies in dealing with kidnappings, banditry, and other violent crimes that have plagued several parts of the country.
He added that the policy is aimed at strengthening law enforcement operations, improving inter-agency collaboration, and ensuring that perpetrators are prosecuted without loopholes.

The announcement comes amid ongoing security challenges, particularly in rural communities, highways, and parts of northern Nigeria, where kidnappings and armed attacks have continued to pose serious threats to lives and livelihoods.

Security analysts say the declaration could mark a turning point in Nigeria’s fight against insecurity if effectively implemented.