Presidency: Terror-related deaths drop by 81%

The Presidency says Nigeria has recorded an 81 percent drop in terror-related deaths since 2023, attributing the progress to stronger inter-agency cooperation and decisive counterterrorism measures under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In a post on its verified X handle, @NGRPresident, the Presidency reaffirmed that the security of Nigeria remains non-negotiable, noting that security agencies have intensified operations leading to the arrest, neutralization, and conviction of terrorists and insurgents across the country.

According to the update, more than 13,000 terrorists have been neutralized, 124 convicted, and over 124,000 fighters and their dependents have surrendered to authorities since 2024.

It added that trials are ongoing for high-profile suspects, including leaders of Ansaru, as well as those behind the 2022 Owo Church attack and the Yelwata reprisal killings in Benue State.

The Presidency noted that over 2.1 million displaced persons have returned to their communities under the government’s Resettlement Scheme, which supports reconstruction, rehabilitation, and reintegration in conflict-affected areas.

It said improved joint operations, tighter border patrols, and stronger intelligence sharing with global partners have restored peace to many previously volatile regions.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has faulted the United States’ designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern”, describing it as biased and unfounded.

NSCIA Secretary-General, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, said insecurity in Nigeria is driven by economic and criminal motives, not religion, stressing that terrorists have killed both Muslims and Christians indiscriminately.

He urged the U.S. to support Nigeria’s security efforts instead of spreading divisive narratives, warning that such labeling only serves political interests.

Oloyede identified poverty, unemployment, drug abuse, and illegal mining as major drivers of violence, insisting that “this is organised crime for resources, not a religious war.”

Traditional and political leaders have also called for unity against terrorism.

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, said terrorists “do not know the difference between Muslims and Christians,” urging collective efforts to protect citizens.

Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule commended President Tinubu’s diplomatic handling of U.S. criticism, warning against divisive rhetoric.

The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, urged President Tinubu to remain steadfast, saying “Nigeria carries the glory of Africa” and should not be intimidated by foreign powers.

Across all quarters, the message remains clear — Nigeria’s counterterrorism drive is yielding results, and unity, not foreign interference, remains the key to lasting peace.