….Says 13,000 Terrorists Killed, 124,000 Fighters Surrendered
Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The Presidency, has responded to recent US allegations of mass killing of Christians and the designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC).
The presidency, in doing so, is setting the record straight by showcasing concrete achievements in counter-terrorism thus far just as it said that the fight against terrorism is a collective responsibility.
In a statement shared on its official X handle, @NGRPresident, the Presidency detailed the progress made since 2023 in battling terror groups, emphasising arrests, convictions, and a significant reduction in terror-related casualties.
Addressing the allegations, the Presidency reiterated that Nigeria grapples with a longstanding, complex security crisis fuelled by terrorism, banditry, and communal conflicts—not religious persecution.
It stressed that victims come from all faiths and regions and appealed to international partners, including the US, for ongoing support.
The Presidency underscored President Bola Tinubu’s commitment with a declaration that “the security of Nigeria is non-negotiable,” highlighting strengthened coordination among security agencies in aggressively tackling terrorist threats.
The update revealed that since 2024, Nigerian courts have convicted over 124 terrorists and insurgents, while trials are ongoing for notable suspects tied to high-profile attacks such as the Ansaru network, the 2022 Owo Church massacre, and reprisal killings in Benue’s Yelwata community.
Key measures detailed include the reinforcement of joint security task forces, enhanced regional border patrols, permanent operations in critical areas, improved victim compensation, and deeper intelligence sharing with global allies.
The Presidency reported striking statistics: terror-related deaths have dropped by 81% since 2015, thanks to intensified counter-insurgency campaigns and community engagement.
“Over 13,000 terrorists were neutralised in the past year, and more than 124,000 fighters and dependents have surrendered to authorities.
Moreover, the government confirmed that more than 2.1 million internally displaced persons have returned home, with many communities benefiting from reconstruction and renewed peace.
A federal Resettlement Scheme is also underway to support rehabilitation and reintegration of conflict-affected persons.
Despite these achievements, the Presidency emphasised the necessity of continued international cooperation to effectively dismantle transnational terror networks.
“The fight against terrorism is a collective responsibility, and Nigeria calls on the global community to stand firm with us in securing peace and stability,” the statement said.