Nigeria willing to work with U.S. to eliminate terrorism – FG

‘All religions, ethnic groups are targets, victims of terrorism in Nigeria’

Emeka Agu with agency reports

The Federal Government says it remains open and willing to work closely with the Government of the United States and others to eliminate terrorism in Nigeria.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris made this known at a news conference on Wednesday in Abuja.

He explained the progress made so far on the fight against terrorism by President Bola Tinubu’s administration over the past two years.

According to him, terror suspect Khalid Al‑Barnawi, accused of being the mastermind of the August 26, 2011, bombing of the UN’s Complex in Abuja, in which 20 people were killed and more than 70 others injured, is facing prosecution.

“Captured in 2016, Al Barnawi is facing trial along with four other terror suspects – Mohammed Bashir Saleh, Umar Mohammed Bello aka Datti, Mohammed Salisu, and Yakubu Nuhu aka Bello Maishayi.

“On Aug. 11, five terror suspects were arraigned before a Federal High Court in Abuja over their alleged involvement in the June 5, 2022 attack at St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State.

“Also undergoing trial are the suspects arrested in connection with the Yelwata massacre in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State on June 13, where dozens of people were killed and 107 injured.

“On June 24, 26 suspects in connection with the massacre were arrested.

“In August, terrorism-related charges were filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja against the suspects.

“However, the government of Nigeria remains open and willing to work closely with the Government of the U.S., other friendly nations and partners, to eliminate terrorism on Nigerian soil,” Idris said.

He further explained that the cooperation between Nigeria and the U.S. has already resulted in the delivery of a dozen Super Tucano aircraft, which have been of tremendous impact in the anti-insurgency fight.

Idris added that another dozen AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters were in the process of being acquired by the Nigerian Air Force.

“We call on our American friends and partners to approach the Nigerian situation with an understanding of its complex realities.

“Nigeria is a vast, multi-ethnic, and multi-religious nation making significant strides in economic reform and in the bolstering of its security architecture,” he said.

The Minister noted that constructive engagement is the surest and most effective way to achieve peace and stability.

According to him, Nigeria welcomes dialogue, cooperation, and support from foreign nations, including the U.S. in addressing shared security concerns.

 “We warmly invite all our partners, both domestic and international, to join us in this noble endeavour, anchored on trust, collaboration, and mutual respect.

 “The President Tinubu administration remains ever faithful and committed to its duty of securing our nation and its peoples.

“As the President himself has reassured, Nigeria stands firmly on the constitutional guarantees on citizens’ liberty and freedom of religion.

“I want to assure Nigerians that the country is in capable and steady hands with President Tinubu.

“He is leading the charge to boost our economy, strengthen our military and intelligence capabilities and lead the country towards greater and shared prosperity.

“On the current misreading and misjudging of the reality of Nigeria’s true security situation by the U.S.,  Tinubu is taking the lead to resolve all areas of misunderstanding through all available diplomatic and political channels,” he said.

The Minister also stated that all religions and ethnic groups in the country are targets and have been victims of terrorism.

According to him, the Federal Government and people of Nigeria have taken note of the position of the Government of the U.S.  over alleged violations of religious freedom.

“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.

“President Bola Tinubu is more than determined to confront and end these security challenges.

“Since May 2023, when he assumed office, Nigeria’s security agencies have neutralised more than 13,500 terrorists through sustained operations and arrested over 17,000 suspects, who are now undergoing interrogation or prosecution for various offences.

“Also, more than 9,800 victims abducted by terrorist elements, including women and children, have been rescued and reintegrated.

“It is important to restate that the menace of terrorism in Nigeria does not exclusively target any religious or ethnic group.

“As in many parts of the world, extremism is mindless, blind to religion, tribe, or class. It is a war against all peace-loving Nigerians and against the unity and progress of our great nation,” Idris said.

The Minister further explained that any narrative suggesting that the Nigerian state is failing to take action against religious attacks is based on misinformation or faulty data.

He added that several leading personnel of the dedicated Armed Forces of Nigeria and the country’s intelligence agencies are Christians.

According to him, they are working and succeeding alongside their Muslim colleagues in the fight against extremists and criminals waging war against the country and values

“Nigeria’s security challenge cannot be fully understood without acknowledging the volatile security situation in the Sahel region.

“Other complicating factor is the collapse of Libya over a decade ago, flooding the region with terrorist elements, extremist groups, and illegal weapons.

“The regional dimension underscores why Nigeria continues to champion greater cooperation within ECOWAS, the African Union, and international partners, including ths United States, to stabilise the Sahel and cut off the transnational lifelines of terrorism.

“The other issue is the socio-economic dimension of the conflict in the North-Central, especially in Plateau and Benue, exacerbated by age-long farmers-herders violent clashes made worse by climate change and desertification.

“The recent change in Service Chiefs and the subsequent realignment within the Armed Forces and security agencies reflect President Tinubu’s determination to reinvigorate Nigeria’s security architecture.

“This strategic overhaul is designed to infuse fresh energy, innovation, and accountability into our national defence and intelligence systems,” he said.

According to him, the mission is to deliver better results, strengthen coordination among the services, and stamp out terrorism and violent crime in every part of Nigeria.

“The President’s directive is unequivocal, that every inch of Nigerian territory must be secured, and every citizen must live free from fear,” he said.