By Sodiq Adelakun
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, says security forces have killed no fewer than 13,000 terrorists and arrested 17,000 others since President Bola Tinubu assumed office on 29 May 2023.
Idris disclosed this on Friday while speaking on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme, where he addressed fresh concerns raised by a United States House Subcommittee on Africa over Nigeria’s security situation.
During the US hearing, Representative Bill Huizenga accused the Nigerian government of failing to confront persistent attacks on Christian communities, leading to calls for Nigeria’s redesignation as a Country of Particular Concern.
Responding, Idris said the administration has made “significant progress” against terrorists, bandits and extremist groups.
He said: “From May 2023 to date, over 13,500 of these criminals have been neutralised. Over 17,000 have been apprehended. These are official figures from our security agencies.
“Many of them have already faced trial; some have been sentenced.”
The Minister noted that President Tinubu is “deeply saddened” by the ongoing killings nationwide and stressed that no Nigerian should lose their life “for any unjust reason”, regardless of their faith.
Idris said:“It is not good for our country when any citizen is killed, whether Christian or Muslim. No one should celebrate such tragedies.”
He, however, rejected claims that the violence is targeted at Christians, saying the government recognises that victims cut across religious lines.
He added: “There is no religious genocide in Nigeria.
“People are being killed in some areas — Christians and Muslims alike — and it is a sad situation. But the government is doing a great deal to tackle it.”
Idris maintained that the administration remains committed to restoring peace, adding that recent security operations show its determination to confront all violent groups.
