The Federal Government has called on Nigerians to unite against terrorism, banditry and criminality, urging citizens to resist attempts to stoke division through misinformation or religious framing of recent attacks.
Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday in Abuja, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said unity was crucial as the nation confronts persistent security threats orchestrated by groups determined to destabilise the country.
He said, “Our common enemies are terrorists, bandits, and criminals seeking to destabilise our nation.
“At this critical time, it is imperative for all Nigerians to stand as one. We must reject misinformation and division.”
Idris cautioned against attempts to portray recent violent incidents as religiously motivated, insisting such claims were both false and harmful to national cohesion.
He further stated, “The government categorically refutes any characterisation of this situation along religious lines.
“These claims are not only factually inaccurate but are dangerously counterproductive to the national unity required to overcome our shared challenges.”
The minister stressed that the country’s security crisis is rooted in terrorism and criminality, not religious persecution.
“These forces of evil do not discriminate by faith,” he said.
The Information Minister conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s condolences to families affected by recent violent attacks, including the killing of a high-ranking Army General, the abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State and the church attack in Kwara.
“These heinous attacks only strengthen the resolve of the Federal Government to deal a permanent blow to terrorism,” Idris said.
He disclosed that President Tinubu has placed the country’s security architecture on “the highest alert ever” and postponed his participation in the G20 Summit in South Africa to focus on domestic security.
Vice President Kashim Shettima is currently in Birnin Kebbi meeting state authorities, community leaders and families of the abducted schoolgirls.
“Our security forces have been mandated to swiftly rescue the abducted Kebbi school girls and reunite them with their families,” Idris added.
The minister reiterated that Nigeria’s security landscape is a complex blend of terrorism, banditry and violent criminality that has claimed lives across ethnic and religious lines.
He noted that respected global religious leaders and international partners do not view Nigeria’s security challenges through a sectarian lens.
“Nigeria is a multi-faith nation where the freedom of worship is constitutionally guaranteed and must be upheld by everyone,” he said.
Idris expressed optimism that the abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi will be safely rescued.
He said, “The Federal Government is deploying all available resources and strategies to decisively win this battle for the nation’s security and future.
“We remain optimistic that the abducted Kebbi school girls will be rescued and safely returned to their families.”
Naijaonpoint earlier reported that the Kwara State Police Command confirmed the killing of at least two people and the injury of another during attacks in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area.
A parish of the Christ Apostolic Church was invaded during a worship service, with a disturbing livestream video of the incident circulating online.
Also reported was the pre-dawn attack on Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Danko/Wasagu LGA of Kebbi State, which resulted in the abduction of 25 students and the killing of a staff member.
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