The Federal Government has reiterated its steadfast commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of all Nigerians, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu placing the country’s security apparatus on its highest state of alert in response to recent attacks across various regions.
At a press briefing on Wednesday, 19 November 2025, at Radio House, Abuja, the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, extended the President’s condolences to families and communities affected by the recent acts of terrorism and criminality.
“President Tinubu has placed our nation’s security forces on their highest alert and has directed them to actively pursue and neutralise terrorists, bandits, and criminal elements across Nigeria. Our forces are also mandated to swiftly rescue the abducted Kebbi schoolgirls and reunite them with their families,” Idris stated.
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 security challenges facing our nation,” emphasising that these incidents only strengthen the Federal Government’s resolve to decisively combat terrorism and banditry.
He revealed that President Tinubu has postponed his scheduled international trips, including the G20 Summit in South Africa, to focus entirely on domestic security matters. The President has also instructed the military and police to deploy additional personnel to Eruku and the entire Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, ensuring robust security coverage and rapid response.
Idris further noted that the Vice President, His Excellency Kashim Shettima, is presently in Birnin Kebbi, acting on the President’s directive, engaging with the Governor of Kebbi State, security chiefs, traditional leaders, and families of the abducted schoolgirls.
“President Tinubu has directed all security agencies to actively pursue, dismantle, and neutralise terrorist and criminal networks nationwide,” Idris said, assuring Nigerians that the rescue of the Kebbi schoolgirls remains a top national priority.
Addressing attempts to frame the security challenges along religious lines, the Minister affirmed that the Federal Government “categorically rejects any sectarian interpretation” of the situation. He emphasised that terrorism and banditry affect Nigerians of all faiths and backgrounds.
“In this critical period, national unity is our strongest asset,” he added. “We must reject misinformation and division. Our common enemies are terrorists and criminals who seek to destabilise our country.”
The Minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s identity as a multi-faith nation where freedom of worship is constitutionally guaranteed. He called on citizens to stand united in support of security agencies working tirelessly to protect the nation, expressing confidence that ongoing operations will lead to the swift rescue of the abducted schoolgirls and restore peace to affected communities.
