The Federal Government of Nigeria has declared there will be no hiding places for terrorists and criminals in the country’s forests. Security forces will intensify operations through expanded recruitment and specialised deployments.
Okay News reports that Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris made the announcement during an end-of-year press conference in Abuja, Nigeria’s federal capital.
Idris highlighted the recent release of the remaining 130 abducted pupils from St Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State. All 230 victims are now free due to security agency efforts.
The government empathised with affected families. It wished them healing and joyful reunions.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a nationwide security emergency in 2025. Upcoming measures include massive recruitment into the Armed Forces and Police.
Trained Forest Guards will secure vulnerable locations. This addresses previous unmanned dark spots used as criminal havens.
“What we used to have in the past is that there are dark spots within our forests that are largely unmanned and have created safe havens for these terrorists and criminal elements,” Idris stated.
“With this kind of recruitment and this declaration by Mr President, there will be no hiding place for all these criminals and these terrorists hiding in our forests,” he added.
A new counter-terrorism doctrine features four pillars: unified command, intelligence, community stability, and counter-insurgency.
Notable captures include Abu Bara, a high-profile ISWAP figure wanted continentally. He and his chief of staff face justice.
Groups or individuals terrorising citizens will be classified as terrorists. Ambiguous labelling ends.
On diplomacy, Idris said relations with the United States remain strong despite recent tensions. A $5.1 billion five-year health MoU proves cooperation.
The US provides $2.1 billion in grants. Nigeria commits $3 billion domestically.
“This has been described as the largest co-investment by any country to date under the America First Global Health Strategy,” Idris noted.
Economic indicators show progress. Q3 2025 GDP grew 3.98 percent. Inflation fell to 14.45 percent in November.
External reserves reached $44.56 billion. Q3 trade surplus hit ₦6.69 trillion.
Power sector milestones include record energy generation and debt reduction initiatives.
These developments reflect resilient reforms under President Tinubu’s administration. They enhance security, health, and economic stability nationwide.
