By Abubakar Mala Gajibo

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, says the Federal Government has placed the nation’s security agencies on the highest alert as part of renewed efforts to defeat terrorism, banditry, and other criminal activities across the country.

The Minister stated this while briefing journalists at the Radio House in Abuja.

Idris conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s sympathies to families affected by recent violent attacks, including the killing of a senior Army officer, the abduction of students in Kebbi State, and the attack on a church in Kwara State.

He described the incidents as painful reminders of the threat posed by terrorists and other criminal elements, adding that government remains resolute in restoring peace and stability.

The Minister announced that President Tinubu has postponed his planned international engagements, including the G20 meeting in South Africa, to focus on the security situation in the country.

According to him, the President has directed the deployment of additional military and police personnel to Eruku and other parts of Ekiti Local Government Area in Kwara State.

He also disclosed that Vice President Kashim Shettima is currently in Birnin Kebbi to meet with Governor Nasir Idris, security chiefs, traditional rulers, and families of the abducted schoolgirls. The delegation includes top government officials and heads of humanitarian agencies.

Idris stressed that the Federal Government rejects attempts to frame national security challenges along religious lines, noting that criminal attacks affect citizens of all ethnic and religious backgrounds.

He said Nigeria’s security challenges are rooted in terrorism, banditry, and criminality, and should not be reduced to sectarian narratives that threaten national unity.

The Minister reaffirmed that Nigeria is a multi-faith nation where freedom of worship is guaranteed, urging citizens to unite against misinformation and divisive rhetoric.

He assured Nigerians that all available resources are being deployed to rescue the abducted schoolgirls and restore peace.