Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, says that Nigeria is winning the war against terror, banditry and other security challenges across the country.
He said this at the opening ceremony of a lecture on “Insecurity in the Sahel (2008 – 2024): Dissecting Nigeria’s Challenges – Genesis, Impacts and Options”.
In the maiden annual international lecture by the News Agency of Nigeria’s (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja, the minister said that the federal government’s “target is to eliminate all the threats of Boko Haram, banditry, kidnapping for ransom, and the scourge of all forms of violent extremism.
“Within one year, our government has eliminated Boko Haram and bandit commanders faster than ever.
“As of the last count, over 300 Boko Haram and bandit commanders have been eliminated by our gallant troops in the Northeast, Northwest, and some other parts of the country.
“Indeed, this quote from President Booa Tonibu has amplified the resolve and determination of this administration to address the security challenges confronting us.
“By understanding the root causes, evaluating the impact on our territorial integrity, and implementing strategic policy measures, we can effectively address the challenges posed by this crisis,” he said.
He said the task ahead is daunting, but confident that Nigeria can safeguard its territorial integrity and restore peace and stability in the Sahel region.
He said years of instability and violence in the Sahel region have now escalated to terrorism and other insecurity issues.
“The violence in the Sahel is not an isolated issue and no single country can tackle it alone,” he said.
The minister said the federal government was tackling insecurity through intelligence gathering and other grassroots measures.
(NAN)
