The Presidency has defended Nigeria’s counter-terrorism record, outlining significant progress in security operations and measurable declines in terror-related deaths amid renewed diplomatic tensions with the United States.
In an update released on its verified X handle (@NGRPresident) on Sunday, the Presidency provided details of ongoing counter-terrorism efforts, including arrests, convictions, and the rehabilitation of internally displaced persons (IDPs).
The statement followed recent comments by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who accused the Nigerian government of committing genocide against Christians and reportedly designated the country a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) — a move that has drawn criticism from Abuja.
Washington has also reportedly threatened sanctions and hinted at possible military action.
The Federal Government has rejected the allegations, maintaining that Nigeria’s decade-long security challenges are driven by terrorism, banditry, and communal violence, rather than religious persecution. It stressed that the conflict has affected citizens across all faiths and regions, and urged global partners, including the U.S., to support Nigeria’s ongoing counter-insurgency operations.
Reaffirming President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s position that “the security of Nigeria is non-negotiable,” the Presidency stated that strengthened inter-agency cooperation since 2023 has yielded concrete results, including the arrest, elimination, and conviction of numerous terrorists and insurgents.
According to official figures, over 124 terrorists and insurgents have been convicted since 2024, while several high-profile suspects — including leaders of Ansaru, those responsible for the 2022 Owo Church attack, and the Yelwata reprisal killings in Benue State — are currently undergoing trial.
The government also cited a range of counterterrorism measures, such as joint security task forces, enhanced border patrols, regional cooperation, permanent joint operations in high-risk areas, compensation for victims, and expanded intelligence collaboration with international allies.
As a result of these efforts, the Presidency reported that terror-related deaths have declined by 81% since 2015, attributing the improvement to intensified counter-insurgency operations and stronger community engagement.
It added that over 2.1 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) have returned home, with reconstruction efforts ongoing in previously affected areas.
To consolidate these gains, the Federal Government has launched a Resettlement Scheme for Persons Impacted by Conflict, aimed at rehabilitating displaced citizens, rebuilding destroyed settlements, and supporting reintegration initiatives.
Despite these achievements, the Presidency reiterated that international collaboration remains vital in dismantling cross-border terror networks and ensuring lasting peace and stability across West Africa.
