By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
The Federal Government has reiterated its dedication to working with the United States and other international allies to eliminate terrorism in Nigeria, insisting that the country is making significant strides in its fight against violent extremism.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the statement on Wednesday in Abuja while briefing journalists on the US Government’s recent designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) over alleged violations of religious freedom.
Idris described the categorisation as stemming from misinformation and a misreading of Nigeria’s security realities, emphasising that terrorism in the country does not target any particular religious or ethnic group.
“Nigeria faces longstanding security challenges that have impacted Christians and Muslims alike, and we mourn every loss of life. Extremism is blind to religion, tribe or class. Any narrative suggesting that the Nigerian State is failing to take action against religious attacks is based on faulty data,” the Minister said.
He highlighted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s strong political will in confronting terrorism, noting significant operational gains nationwide.
According to Idris, since May 2023, Nigerian security forces have neutralised more than 13,500 terrorists, arrested over 17,000 suspects, and rescued about 9,800 abducted victims.
He also revealed that more than 124,000 insurgents and their families have surrendered to security forces, handing over thousands of weapons, while major terror leaders in the North-West and North-East have been eliminated.
“In the South-East, terror attacks have reduced by almost 80 per cent through coordinated joint operations,” Idris added, noting ongoing security reinforcement in parts of the North-Central region affected by farmer-herder clashes and resource competition exacerbated by climate pressures.
The Minister stressed that recent changes among Service Chiefs and restructuring within the defence establishment are aimed at bringing energy, innovation, and accountability into Nigeria’s security strategy.
On international cooperation, Idris cited the delivery of Super Tucano aircraft from the US and Nigeria’s ongoing acquisition of AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters as examples of effective collaboration.
He urged Washington to engage Nigeria constructively and recognise the complex security environment shaped by regional crises in the Sahel and the inflow of illegal arms following Libya’s collapse.
“We warmly invite our partners to approach Nigeria’s situation with understanding. Constructive engagement is the surest path to stability,” Idris said.
The Minister assured Nigerians that the Tinubu administration remains committed to safeguarding constitutional freedoms, including religious liberty, while strengthening national security.
“The government will not relent until the remnants of these hounds of death are permanently removed. Nigeria is in capable and steady hands with President Tinubu leading the charge to strengthen our security architecture and pursue shared prosperity,” he said.
Idris concluded by reaffirming Nigeria’s readiness to work closely with the United States and other allies to achieve the complete elimination of terrorism in Nigeria.