Nigeria Officially Designates Kidnappers, Armed Groups as Terrorists

The Federal Government has formally classified kidnappers, violent armed groups, and individuals responsible for mass abductions, attacks on farmers, and community terror as terrorists, which add to boost in the fight against insecurity.

The announcement was made by Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, during the government’s end-of-year press briefing in Abuja on Monday.

“This designation represents a clear departure from treating these acts as mere criminality. 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 stated.

The minister emphasised that the policy ends years of “ambiguous nomenclature” that previously allowed perpetrators to operate under unclear labels.

“Now, the era of name-hiding is over. If you terrorise our people, you are a terrorist and will be classified as such,” he added.

Idris explained that the new classification will enable security agencies to employ full counterterrorism protocols, including enhanced intelligence sharing, improved inter-agency coordination, and more decisive operational responses.

The move comes amid persistent challenges from banditry, herder-farmer clashes, and high-profile kidnappings that have plagued various regions, particularly in the north and middle belt.

During the briefing, Idris also addressed recent strains in Nigeria-US relations stemming from statements by US President Donald Trump.

Trump, in October remarks, described killings of Christians in Nigeria as an “existential threat” and “genocide,” threatening potential military intervention.

Idris described the issue as “largely resolved” through “firm and respectful diplomatic engagement,” resulting in strengthened bilateral partnership.

Despite the thaw, Nigeria remains on the US State Department’s list of Countries of Particular Concern (CPC) for alleged religious freedom violations. Last week, the country was included in new visa and immigration restrictions announced by the Trump administration.

The government is yet to release formal gazette details on the implementation framework.