The Federal Government has formally classified kidnappers, bandits and other violent armed groups operating across Nigeria as terrorists, marking a major shift in the country’s security strategy and signalling a tougher response to rising abductions, attacks on farmers and rural violence.
The announcement was made on Monday in Abuja by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, during the Federal Government’s end-of-year press briefing.
Idris said criminal groups involved in kidnapping and violent attacks would no longer be treated as ordinary criminals, noting that the new designation places them squarely under Nigeria’s counterterrorism laws and empowers security agencies to deploy stronger, more coordinated measures.
“Henceforth, any armed group or individual that kidnaps our children, attacks our farmers, and terrorises our communities is officially classified and will be dealt with as a terrorist,” the minister said.
He stressed that the government would no longer tolerate vague or misleading labels for violent groups.
“Now, the era of ambiguous nomenclature is over. If you terrorise our people, whether you are a group or an individual, you are a terrorist and will be classified as such. There is no name hiding under this again,” Idris added.
According to the minister, the policy will significantly enhance coordination among security and intelligence agencies, with improved intelligence sharing and joint operations already yielding results. He disclosed that coordinated efforts in 2025 led to the arrest of two internationally wanted criminals.
Idris also announced the deployment of trained forest guards to secure forests and remote areas that have long served as hideouts for kidnappers and armed groups. He said the guards would be equipped with surveillance tools and rapid-response capabilities, and would work closely with local communities to gather intelligence.
By designating kidnappers and bandits as terrorists, the minister said the government is expanding the operational powers of security forces to dismantle camps, disrupt supply routes and prevent future attacks—an approach expected to restore confidence among farmers and residents of rural communities worst affected by insecurity.
He further revealed the arrest of a senior ISWAP leader residing in Nigeria, describing the suspect as one of the most wanted terrorists on the African continent.
“The most internationally wanted criminals, the ISWAP head residing in Nigeria, has been captured through the coordination of all the security agencies and those also in the intelligence community,” Idris said.
The minister recalled the earlier arrest of Abu Barra, noting that both arrests were achieved through joint security operations. He added that the ISWAP leader had a significant bounty placed on him by the United States and is currently facing trial alongside his chief of staff.
The Federal Government said the new classification underscores its zero-tolerance stance on kidnapping, banditry and terrorism, and reflects a renewed commitment to restoring peace and security across the country.
