Nigeria officially classifies kidnappers as terrorists, boosting counterterrorism measures and security force powers against abductions and rural attacks
The Federal Government has officially designated kidnappers and violent armed groups as terrorists, signalling a major escalation in Nigeria’s response to abductions, attacks on farmers, and community violence.
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Information Minister Mohammed Idris made the announcement on Monday during the end-of-year press briefing in Abuja.
The minister said the policy marks a shift from treating mass kidnappings and rural attacks as ordinary crimes to confronting them under full counterterrorism 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,” Idris said.
He emphasised that the move eliminates ambiguity in naming offenders and strengthens intelligence sharing and operational coordination across security agencies for faster, decisive action.
Highlighting the effectiveness of enhanced inter-agency collaboration, Idris noted that two of the most internationally wanted criminals were captured in 2025 through coordinated operations.
In addition, the government announced the deployment of trained and equipped forest guards to secure remote areas and forests, often used as hideouts by criminal networks.
These personnel will combine surveillance, local intelligence, and rapid-response capabilities to protect farming communities and disrupt criminal supply routes.
By classifying kidnappers as terrorists, the policy significantly expands the powers of security forces to pursue, apprehend, and prosecute offenders.
Idris cited the arrest of the ISWAP leader residing in Nigeria, describing him as one of Africa’s most wanted terrorists with a substantial bounty placed by the United States.
“The most internationally wanted criminals, the ISWAP head residing in Nigeria, has been captured through the coordination of all security agencies and intelligence community,” Idris said.
He added that Abu Barra, previously apprehended, is also undergoing trial, demonstrating that the government is committed to bringing high-profile criminals to justice.
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The Federal Government’s measures aim to provide reassurance to rural communities, dismantle criminal camps, and signal zero tolerance for abductions and rural violence.
