For far too long, terrorist groups such as ISIS, ISWAP and Boko Haram have carried out violent crimes against innocent Nigerian civilians. These attacks have included religious persecution and indiscriminate kidnappings for ransom, affecting both Christians and Muslims alike. When terrorists strike, Nigerians suffer regardless of their faith.
President Tinubu’s administration, in which I am honoured to serve, is fully committed to defeating these criminals and restoring peace and stability across Nigeria. This commitment is already producing tangible results.
It is true that many Nigerian Christians have been targeted because of their faith. It is equally true that Muslims have also been victims of terrorist violence in different parts of the country. Under President Tinubu’s leadership, our security forces are receiving improved intelligence and operational support to identify and dismantle terrorist networks wherever they operate within Nigeria.
President Tinubu has ordered an expanded security surge into the North Central states of Nigeria and other affected areas. The surge includes additional deployment of military and police forces, expanded patrols, and enhanced security around places of worship, including increased presence around churches on Sundays.
“We will protect worshippers, defend innocent lives, and deny terrorists and kidnappers any safe haven,” said President Tinubu. “Nigeria will not yield any community to those who threaten our people—especially in the North Central states and other affected areas.”
Over the past five years, the Nigerian Armed Forces have intensified counter-terrorism operations to protect lives and property. To strengthen this effort, we formally designated criminal bandit groups operating in the north as terrorists, placing them under the full weight of counter-terrorism laws.
While Nigeria’s counter-terrorism operations will remain Nigerian-led, which is consistent with Nigeria’s sovereignty and national interest, our government welcomes the continued support of President Trump.
All forms of terrorist violence violate our national values and threaten regional stability, security, and global peace.
I continue to pray for peace in Nigeria and for unity among people of different faiths. Our greatest responsibility as a nation is to confront violent extremism while rejecting prejudice and hatred. Nigerian Christians and Muslims must stand together because no society can progress without mutual respect, tolerance and understanding.
We are making steady progress in combating jihadist groups operating in the Sahel, including Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province. We will continue to act swiftly and decisively to defeat terrorism and restore lasting peace. Our message to terrorists is clear. Continued violence against Nigerians will not be tolerated.
President Tinubu will not stand by while criminals and insurgents target innocent citizens, whether because of their faith or for ransom. As the leader of Africa’s foremost economy and a key partner in the global fight against terrorism, Nigeria is confronting its security challenges with determination and resolve.
Upholding the rights guaranteed by our Constitution, including freedom of religion, remains central to our security approach. We will continue to work with religious leaders and partners to promote stability and prevent violence nationwide.
This is a struggle of good against evil, and of humanity against inhumanity. Nigeria will not allow barbarism to defeat civilisation. Every responsible nation must make the necessary sacrifices to protect innocent lives, and Nigeria is proud to stand with the United States as partners in this vital mission.
Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo is the Honourable Minister of Interior, Federal Republic of Nigeria
