The Federal Government has officially labeled kidnappers and violent armed groups as terrorists, signaling a significant intensification of Nigeria’s response to abductions, attacks on farmers, and rural insecurity.
Information Minister Mohammed Idris announced the designation on Monday during the end-of-year press briefing in Abuja, emphasizing that such crimes will no longer be treated as ordinary offenses but addressed under 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,” Idris stated.
The minister stressed that ambiguity in labeling perpetrators is over. “If you terrorize our people, whether you are a group or an individual, you are a terrorist and will be classified as such. There is no name hiding under this again,” he said.
Idris explained that the new classification will enhance intelligence sharing and coordination among security agencies, enabling faster, more decisive action. He cited the capture of two internationally wanted criminals in 2025 as examples of the effectiveness of inter-agency collaboration.
In a bid to secure rural and remote areas, the government will deploy trained forest guards. These personnel will combine surveillance, local intelligence, and rapid-response capabilities to dismantle criminal camps and secure forests and other hideouts frequently used by armed groups.
The minister also highlighted the arrest of the ISWAP leader operating in Nigeria, described as one of Africa’s most wanted terrorists with a large U.S. bounty. “The ISWAP head residing in Nigeria has been captured through the coordination of all security agencies and intelligence units. Abu Barra was also apprehended a few months ago, and both are now facing justice,” Idris said.
By officially classifying kidnappers and violent groups as terrorists, the government is signaling zero tolerance for abductions and rural violence, while empowering security forces to take stronger measures to protect vulnerable communities.
