FG Places Security on Highest Alert as Tinubu Deploys Full Machinery Against Terrorism
The Federal Government has raised Nigeria’s security architecture to its highest state of alert in response to recent terror attacks across the country, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directing a nationwide escalation of military and intelligence operations aimed at dismantling terrorist and criminal networks.
At a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris said the President remains fully committed to safeguarding the lives and property of all Nigerians.
He conveyed the government’s sympathies to families affected by the killing of a senior Army General, the abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State, and the attack on a church in Kwara State.
“President Tinubu has put our nation’s security apparatus on the highest alert ever,” Idris stated. “He has deployed the full machinery of the state to pursue and eliminate terrorists, bandits, and criminal elements wherever they may be in Nigeria.
Our security forces have also been mandated to swiftly rescue the abducted Kebbi schoolgirls and reunite them with their families.”
The Minister described the latest attacks as painful reminders of the threats confronting the nation.
He said they have only strengthened the Federal Government’s resolve to decisively defeat terrorism, banditry and violent extremism.
Idris also revealed that President Tinubu has postponed his scheduled international engagements, including the G20 summit in South Africa, in order to focus on domestic security developments.
According to him, the President has directed the military and police to deploy additional personnel to Eruku and across the Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, ensuring strong security coverage and quicker response capabilities.
He further disclosed that Vice President Kashim Shettima is currently in Birnin Kebbi on the President’s instructions, meeting with the state governor, security chiefs, traditional rulers and families of the abducted students to coordinate rescue efforts and provide federal support.
The Minister added that all security agencies have been ordered to actively pursue, neutralise and dismantle terrorist cells across the country, reaffirming that the rescue of the abducted schoolgirls remains one of the government’s top priorities.
Responding to attempts to frame the security situation along religious lines, Idris said the Federal Government “categorically refutes any sectarian interpretation” of the nation’s security challenges.
He stressed that terrorism and banditry have affected Nigerians of all faiths and backgrounds.
“In this critical moment, national unity is our most powerful asset,” he said. “We must reject misinformation and division. Our common enemies are terrorists and criminals seeking to destabilise our country.”
Idris reaffirmed Nigeria’s status as a multi-faith nation with constitutionally guaranteed freedom of worship and called on citizens to support ongoing operations.
He expressed confidence that the intensified security measures would lead to the prompt rescue of the Kebbi schoolgirls and restoration of peace in affected communities.
