Again, Nigeria Rejects US Threat, Cites Major Anti-Terror Wins
The Federal Government has strongly refuted the designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) by the United States and condemned the subsequent threats of military invasion by U.S. President Donald Trump, stating that the narrative of a “Christian genocide” is based on misinformation and ignores substantial successes against terrorists.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, asserted that terrorism in Nigeria is blind to religion, tribe, or class, and is a war against all peace-loving Nigerians.
“Nigeria faces longstanding security challenges that have impacted Christians and Muslims alike, and we mourn every loss of life—knowing that even a single loss of life is one too many,” Minister Idris said.
Record Successes Against Terrorists
The Minister provided detailed statistics to counter the perception that the Nigerian State is failing to act:
* Neutralizations and Arrests: Since May 2023, Nigerian security agencies have neutralized more than 13,500 terrorists through sustained operations and arrested over 17,000 suspects.
* Victim Rescue and Surrender: More than 9,800 victims abducted by terrorist elements have been rescued and reintegrated. Additionally, over 124,000 insurgents and their families have surrendered, handing over more than 11,000 weapons.
* Weapons Recovery: Security agencies have recovered and destroyed over 5,000 military-grade rifles and intercepted over 20 gun-running networks in recent months.
The Minister noted that the number of terrorism-related attacks has plummeted, with a March report by the Global Terrorism Index indicating that attacks were at their lowest in over a decade in Nigeria.
Security Leadership and Geopolitical Factors
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Minister Idris addressed the insinuation of religious bias in counter-terrorism efforts by pointing to the composition of the military and intelligence leadership. He stated that several leading personnel of the Armed Forces and intelligence agencies are Christians, working successfully alongside their Muslim colleagues in the fight.
He also emphasized that the security challenge cannot be fully understood without acknowledging the volatile situation in the Sahel region, citing the collapse of Libya flooding the region with terrorist elements and illegal weapons. He noted that conflicts in the North-Central are often exacerbated by age-long farmers-herders violent clashes, made worse by climate change and desertification.
High-Profile Suspects Under Prosecution
The Minister highlighted the ongoing prosecution of several high-profile terror suspects:
* ANSARU Leaders: Two internationally wanted terror suspects, Mahmud Muhammad Usman (self-styled Emir of ANSARU) and his deputy, Abubakar Abba, were captured in a high-risk, intelligence-led counter-terrorism operation in July. Usman is accused of masterminding high-profile kidnappings to finance terrorism.
* Owo Attackers: Five terror suspects allegedly involved in the June 5, 2022, attack at St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, are currently undergoing trial.
* UN Complex Bomber: Khalid Al‑Barnawi, accused of masterminding the 2011 bombing of the UN Complex in Abuja that killed 20 people, is also facing prosecution.
* Benue Suspects: Terrorism-related charges were filed against suspects arrested in connection with the Yelwata massacre in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State in June 2025.
The Minister concluded by stating that Nigeria remains open and willing to work closely with the U.S., but called on American partners to approach the Nigerian situation with an understanding of its complex realities. The government welcomes more collaboration and assistance to achieve the shared goal of eliminating terrorism.
By PRNigeria
