Minister of Information and National Orientation has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to protecting the lives and property of all Nigerians, as well as ensuring the safe return of abducted citizens.
Speaking at a press conference on the nation’s security trajectory, the Minister explained that, in light of the current security situation and growing concerns among citizens and the international community, it had become necessary to provide updates on government efforts to win the battle against terrorism.
Idris noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in response to recent attacks across parts of the country, has placed the nation’s security architecture on its highest level of alert and conveyed his sympathies to families and communities affected by recent acts of terrorism and criminality.
“Let it be known that President Tinubu has put our nation’s security apparatuses on the highest alert ever, and has deployed to actively pursue and eliminate terrorists, bandits, and criminal elements wherever they may be in Nigeria. Our security forces have also been mandated to swiftly rescue the abducted Kebbi school girls and reunite them with their families,” he said.
The Minister described the killing of a senior Army General, the abduction of students in Kebbi State, and the attack on a church in Kwara State as “painful reminders of the threats confronting the nation.”
“This heinous attack on those dedicated to our protection and on the future of our youth, and the assault on our places of worship, only strengthen the resolve of the Federal Government to rise above the challenges and deal a permanent blow to terrorism. As you are all aware, President Tinubu has postponed his international engagements particularly the G20 Meeting in South Africa to allow him to focus on the developments within Nigeria. The President has also directed the Military and the Police to deploy more men in Eruku and the entire Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State. Similarly, the Vice President, His Excellency Senator Kashim Shettima, at the behest of the President, is at present in Birnin Kebbi to meet with the Governor of Kebbi state”, he said.
Addressing attempts to frame the security situation along religious lines, the Minister said the Nigerian Government rejects any sectarian interpretation of the nation’s security challenges.
“Against the backdrop of threats to our national unity and geographical firmament, the Nigerian government notes with growing concern the divisive and narrow rhetoric seeking to frame the nation’s security challenges in sectarian terms. The government categorically refutes any characterization of this situation along religious lines. Such claims are not only factually inaccurate but are also dangerously counterproductive to the national unity required to overcome our shared challenges. The position of the Government remains unequivocal: Nigeria is a multi-faith nation where the freedom of worship is constitutionally guaranteed and must be upheld by everyone,” he noted.
Idris further called on Nigerians to unite in order to defeat forces seeking to destabilize the country.
“At this critical time, it is imperative for all Nigerians to stand as one. We must reject misinformation and division, and recognise that our common enemies are terrorists, bandits, and criminals seeking to destabilise our nation. The Nigerian Government is deploying all available resources and strategies to decisively win this battle for the nation’s security and future,” he said.
The Minister expressed optimism that ongoing security operations will lead to the swift rescue of the abducted schoolgirls and the restoration of peace in affected communities.