Bandits, abductors of schoolchildren now classified as terrorists – Nigerian Government
In a landmark policy shift, the Nigerian Government has announced a decisive strategy to confront the escalating security challenges facing the nation. During an End-Of-Year Press Conference held in Abuja on Monday, the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, unveiled a new national counter-terrorism doctrine established in 2025. This strategic framework is built upon four essential pillars: unified command, intelligence, community stability, and counterinsurgency, signaling a more coordinated and aggressive approach to internal security.
The Minister utilized the briefing to clarify the government’s hardened stance against violent non-state actors, emphasizing that labels will no longer be a barrier to military action. He declared, “Let me be clear about what this means: That henceforth, any armed group that kidnaps our children, attacks our farmers, or terrorizes our communities is officially classified and will be dealt with as a terrorist organization. The era of ambiguous nomenclature is over!” This move is intended to streamline the legal and military response to groups previously described by more varied terms.
Amidst these policy updates, there was a significant breakthrough regarding the safety of Nigerian youth. Minister Idris confirmed the successful release of the final batch of schoolchildren who had been abducted in Niger State. Highlighting the success of the military and police efforts, he stated that with this latest development, “it can be confirmed that all the abducted pupils, numbering 230, have been freed.” This brings a conclusion to a harrowing ordeal for the affected families and the nation at large.
The government emphasized that the recovery of the children was total and complete, leaving no room for uncertainty. “Not a single pupil is left in captivity due to the efforts of our security agencies,” the Minister asserted, attributing the positive outcome entirely to the persistent operations of the country’s security apparatus. The statement served as a testament to the effectiveness of the government’s renewed focus on rapid response and rescue missions.
Closing on a compassionate note, the Minister extended the government’s well-wishes to the families who have endured the trauma of these abductions. “In this joyous season, the Federal Government empathizes with the parents of the pupils for the anguish the abduction has caused them, and wishes them a pleasant family reunion, a good healing process, Compliments of the Season and a Merry Christmas,” he stated. This blend of firm military doctrine and humanitarian relief marks a significant bookend to the government’s security activities for the year
