Minister of Defence, Olusola Idris, has dismissed recent claims that Nigeria’s security situation is characterized by religious or ethnic targeting, attributing such narratives to misinformation and misinterpretation of the country’s complex security realities.
“Nigeria faces longstanding security challenges that affect both Christians and Muslims equally. We mourn every loss of life. Extremism shows no regard for religion, ethnicity, or social class. Any suggestion that the Nigerian State is failing to act against religious violence is based on flawed data,” Idris stated.
He praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for demonstrating strong political will in confronting terrorism directly, resulting in significant operational successes nationwide. Since May 2023, Nigerian security forces have neutralized over 13,500 terrorists, arrested more than 17,000 suspects, and rescued approximately 9,800 abducted victims.
Idris further revealed that more than 124,000 insurgents and their families have voluntarily surrendered, surrendering thousands of weapons. Key terrorist leaders in the volatile North-West and North-East regions have been eliminated.
“In the South-East, terror attacks have declined by nearly 80 percent due to coordinated joint security operations,” he added, noting continued efforts to bolster security in the North-Central zone, which faces escalating farmer-herder violence exacerbated by climate pressures and resource competition.
The Defence Minister emphasized that recent changes in the Service Chiefs and restructuring within the defence sector were intended to inject fresh energy, innovation, and accountability into Nigeria’s security strategy.
Highlighting international cooperation, Idris cited the delivery of Super Tucano aircraft from the United States and ongoing efforts to acquire AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters as examples of productive partnerships.
He called on Washington to engage Nigeria with a full understanding of the complex regional security challenges, including spillover from crises in the Sahel and the influx of illegal arms following Libya’s collapse.
“We warmly invite our partners to approach Nigeria’s challenges with empathy and constructive engagement, which remain our best path to lasting stability,” Idris said.
Reassuring Nigerians, he affirmed that the Tinubu administration remains committed to safeguarding constitutional freedoms—including religious liberty—while strengthening national security measures.
“The government will not rest until these deadly threats are completely eradicated. Under President Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria’s security architecture is being reinforced to ensure peace and shared prosperity,” Idris concluded.
He reiterated Nigeria’s readiness to collaborate closely with the United States and other allies to eliminate terrorism from Nigerian soil once and for all. lol
