FG Defends New Terrorism Classification, Vows Lawful Military Conduct
The Federal Government has defended its newly introduced counterterrorism doctrine that classifies all armed groups operating outside state authority as terrorists.
The government also assured Nigerians and the international community that all security operations will strictly adhere to globally accepted rules of engagement.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, gave the assurance on Monday at the 2025 end-of-year press briefing in Abuja, amid concerns over the implications of the expanded terrorism classification.
Idris explained that the new doctrine covers bandits, militias, armed gangs and their political or community enablers, stressing that the policy is designed to strengthen national security while remaining fully compliant with international standards.
“Nigeria has to defend itself as a country by observing the highest standards of procedure,” the minister said. “All our Armed Forces are trained and have been collaborating with international partners, and they are following strict protocols of engagement with terrorists. We must commend our Armed Forces for observing that.”
He noted that the reclassification was part of a broader effort to eliminate ambiguity in dealing with violent groups threatening lives, livelihoods and national stability, while ensuring accountability and professionalism in military operations.
Beyond security, the minister outlined key achievements of the administration in 2025, saying the government prioritised macroeconomic stability and investor confidence. He disclosed that Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product grew by 3.98 per cent in the third quarter of 2025, driven largely by sustained expansion in the non-oil sector.
According to him, inflationary pressures eased significantly, with headline inflation declining for eight consecutive months to 14.45 per cent in November 2025, while food inflation continued on a downward trajectory.
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Idris also said Nigeria’s external reserves rose to about $44.56 billion, strengthening currency stability and boosting investor confidence. Trade performance improved as well, with a surplus of N6.69 trillion recorded in the third quarter of 2025, representing a 27.29 per cent year-on-year increase.
He added that confidence in Nigeria’s reform agenda was reflected in a massively oversubscribed Eurobond issuance, which attracted bids amounting to 400 per cent of the $2.3 billion target.
On infrastructure, the minister said economic reforms were deliberately tied to large-scale capital investments. He disclosed that Nigeria recorded its highest-ever daily energy output of 128,370.75 megawatt-hours on March 4, 2025, alongside the rollout of the Presidential Metering Initiative and the issuance of the first bond under the Presidential Power Sector Debt Reduction Programme.
Idris further revealed that over N1.5 trillion was committed to road infrastructure in 2025, anchored on the four legacy highway projects linking major regions of the country. He said the projects were designed with reinforced concrete pavement to last between 50 and 100 years, reduce maintenance costs and promote local content.
In agriculture, the minister said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the recapitalisation of the Bank of Agriculture with N1.5 trillion, describing it as the most significant boost to agricultural financing in recent history.
The minister also confirmed the successful rescue of all 230 abducted pupils of St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, Niger State, saying the development reaffirmed the government’s resolve to protect citizens. He expressed the Federal Government’s sympathy with the affected families and wished them a smooth healing process ahead of the Christmas festivities.
Idris said while 2025 focused on reinforcing and stabilising national foundations, the mission for 2026 would be to build a more secure, competitive and prosperous Nigeria, assuring that the “temporary pains of reform are yielding permanent gains.”
By PRNigeria
