Federal Government Declares All Kidnappers, Armed Bandits Terrorists, Says Era Of “Ambiguous Nomenclature” Is Over

Abuja, Nigeria– The Federal Government has formally declared that any armed group or individual involved in kidnapping, attacks on farmers or the terrorisation of communities will henceforth be classified and treated as terrorists.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the announcement during the Federal Government’s end-of-year press briefing, stating that the declaration reflects a clear directive from President Bola Tinubu.

According to Idris, the government is drawing a firm line against violent criminality, warning that no individual or group will again be shielded by vague or misleading labels.

“Let me be clear about what this means,” the minister said. “Henceforth, any armed group that kidnaps our children, that attacks our farmers, that terrorizes our communities, is officially classified and will be dealt with as a terrorist organization. Any individual or any group.”

He stressed that the declaration marks a decisive shift in government policy, ending what he described as the era of “ambiguous nomenclature” in addressing insecurity across the country.

“This is the declaration that Mr President has made,” Idris said. “Now, the era of ambiguous nomenclature is over. If you terrorise our people, whether you are a group or you are an individual, you are a terrorist and you will be classified as such.”

The minister added that under the new stance, criminal elements can no longer hide behind alternative descriptions or narratives.

“There is no name to hide under again,” he said.

The announcement comes amid growing public concern over persistent kidnappings, attacks on rural communities and the targeting of farmers, which have continued to undermine security and livelihoods in several parts of Nigeria.