During a Ramadan Iftar event in Kano, Minister of Information, Muhammad Idiris, cautioned media practitioners about inadvertently aiding bandits and kidnappers through their reporting. He also revealed that in February 2024 alone, the Nigerian Armed Forces neutralized 974 terrorists, apprehended 621 suspects, rescued 466 hostages, and recovered 1,573 weapons.

The Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all Nigerians and visitors. He highlighted the efforts of security agencies in combating banditry and terrorism, including the delivery of new weapons and equipment to strengthen the fight against these threats. In particular, the Nigerian Air Force recently inducted four new aircraft into service.

Idiris emphasized that the military, in collaboration with the police and intelligence agencies, has been taking the fight to bandits’ and terrorists’ camps and hideouts, especially in the North-West and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The Minister noted positive results, such as improved security in Abuja and reports of bandits being routed and their camps destroyed. He cited examples like the increased safety of travel on the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway.

Regarding the kinetic approach to counter-terrorism and banditry, the Federal Government has initiated the 50 Billion Naira Pulako Initiative. This initiative focuses on seven frontline states, including Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, Niger, Kaduna, Benue, and Kebbi. It aims to provide essential infrastructure, such as houses, clinics, schools, veterinary hospitals, and solar energy, in communities most affected by banditry.

Idiris also highlighted progress in the fight against oil theft, with over 6,000 illegal refineries deactivated and 4,000 illegal pipelines disconnected. Oil production has steadily increased since Q2 2023, reaching 1.55 million barrels per day in Q4 2023.

The Minister acknowledged that while significant progress has been made in containing farmer-herder clashes in the North Central region, isolated attacks by bandits and criminal elements still occur in certain areas. However, he stressed that these sporadic attacks do not diminish the overall progress made in ensuring the security of lives in communities.