FG Reassures Nigerians on Security Efforts, Holds High-Level Briefing in Abuja
Oru Leonard
The Federal Government has reassured Nigerians that the safe return of abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo and Borno states remains a top national priority, as it outlined ongoing security operations and broader reforms aimed at tackling terrorism and criminality across the country.
The briefing brought together key government officials and security communication stakeholders, underscoring the Federal Government’s commitment to keeping citizens informed about ongoing efforts to address security challenges and strengthen national stability.
Speaking at a high-level security briefing in Abuja on Thursday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had directed all relevant security and intelligence agencies to deploy every lawful means available to secure the release of those still in captivity.
Describing the recent abductions as attacks on the nation’s future and educational system, Idris said the President had authorised the deployment of a specialised rescue team and approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards to strengthen security coverage in vulnerable communities and forested areas.
“This administration remains fully committed to ensuring that every child and teacher currently in captivity is safely returned to their families,” the minister stated.
The briefing comes amid renewed concerns over insecurity following the abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo State and the reported disappearance of at least 42 children after a terrorist attack on a school in Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
According to Idris, multiple security agencies, including the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police Force, National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), and the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), are working in close coordination to secure the victims’ release.
He noted that the Tinubu administration’s approach combines military action with intelligence gathering, technological enhancements, regional cooperation, and socio-economic interventions aimed at addressing the root causes of insecurity.
The minister highlighted significant gains recorded since May 2023, including the neutralisation, arrest, and surrender of hundreds of terrorists and criminal elements, as well as the rescue of numerous kidnapping victims across different parts of the country.
Providing updates on ongoing military operations, Idris said troops of Operation Hadin Kai had continued to record successes against Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents in the North-East. He disclosed that recent operations along the Kirawa-Pulka and Ngoshe corridors in Borno State led to the elimination of more than 50 terrorists, including several high-value targets.
He further revealed that approximately 1,000 terrorist fighters, including dozens of their commanders, were eliminated during the first quarter of 2026, while a joint Nigeria-United States-supported operation in May disrupted terrorist logistics networks and neutralised key ISWAP leaders.
In the North-West and North-Central regions, the minister said intensified joint military and police operations had led to the dismantling of several criminal camps and increased pressure on bandit and kidnapping networks operating across Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, Kogi, Niger, Kwara, Kaduna and neighbouring states.
Idris also reported progress in the South-East and South-South, where security forces continue operations against violent criminal groups, oil thieves and economic saboteurs. He noted that enhanced maritime security measures had contributed to a rise of approximately 400,000 barrels per day in oil production since the current administration assumed office.
On the judicial front, the minister cited the recent conviction and death sentence handed down by the Federal High Court in Abuja to four terrorists involved in the June 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State. He said the verdict demonstrated the government’s commitment to combating terrorism through both military operations and the rule of law.
He also disclosed that more than 500 terrorism suspects are currently facing trial in what he described as one of Nigeria’s largest terrorism prosecution exercises. Of the 508 terrorism-related cases recently brought before the courts, 386 convictions have already been secured.
Idris emphasised that the government is strengthening international partnerships, particularly with the United States, to improve intelligence sharing, military training, border security, cybersecurity and counterterrorism operations.
He praised the collaboration between the Federal Government and state governments, noting that President Tinubu has maintained close coordination with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and Borno State authorities to support rescue efforts and improve security responses.
The minister stressed that sustainable economic growth remains central to addressing Nigeria’s security challenges, linking the administration’s infrastructure development, housing, energy and transportation projects to broader efforts aimed at creating opportunities and reducing vulnerability to crime and extremism.
Calling for greater public cooperation, Idris urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, support security agencies with credible information, and reject divisive narratives that could undermine national unity.
He also appealed to media organisations to report responsibly and avoid amplifying terrorist propaganda through sensational coverage.
Highlighting the theme of the briefing, “Unite Against Terror,” the minister said terrorism transcends ethnic, religious and political divides and must be confronted collectively.
Addressing families of those still in captivity, Idris conveyed President Tinubu’s assurance that the government remains fully committed to securing their release.
“Every available resource is being deployed. Every security agency remains engaged. Every intelligence lead is being pursued,” he said.
Expressing confidence in Nigeria’s ability to overcome its security challenges, the minister declared that the country would continue to protect its schools, safeguard its children, and build a peaceful and prosperous future for all citizens.
The event was attended by senior officials, including the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Dr. Binyerem Chigbonwu Ukaire; Director-General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Dr. Mohammed Bulama; Director of Legal Services at the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Zakari Mijinyawa; Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba; Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid; National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Aliyu Maiwada; and other presidential media aides.
Also present were the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare; Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Special Duties, Tunde Rahman; and Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Engagement, Fredrick Nwabufo.
The briefing forms part of the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to enhance transparency, promote public awareness, and provide accurate information on matters of national importance.
