TINUBU DEPLOYING FULL-SCALE RESCUE OPERATION FOR KIDNAPPED SCHOOL CHILDREN- MOHAMMED IDRIS

He noted that the Borno attack bears the familiar signature of terrorist groups that have for years sought to undermine education and destabilise communities in the north-east.

“While operational details cannot be disclosed for security reasons, I can assure Nigerians that multiple security and intelligence agencies are working in close coordination,” he said.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police Force, the National Intelligence Agency, the Office of the National Security Adviser, and the National Counter Terrorism Centre are actively involved in ongoing efforts.

“Intelligence gathering, aerial surveillance, community engagement, and search-and-rescue operations are continuing without interruption.”

Idris said the Tinubu administration’s response goes beyond the deployment of force, noting that it is anchored on a comprehensive, intelligence-led approach to national security, alongside an overhaul of the country’s security architecture.

According to him, one of the key pillars of the reforms is the implementation of state policing, which he said the president is determined to leave as part of his legacy.

“President Tinubu is determined to ensure that one of his legacies is the delivery of a restructured policing system that is dynamic, flexible, and fit-for-purpose — one that truly empowers and secures local communities,” he said.

The minister said the government took over many tough security issues, like terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and oil theft. But they have created a plan that uses a mix of military action, working together with intelligence, using technology, cooperating with neighboring countries, and helping people through economic and social programs.

He said that since May 2023, hundreds of terrorists and criminals have been stopped, arrested, or made to give up, and many people who were kidnapped have been freed all over the country.

Idris also linked lasting security to economic development, saying the government is pursuing reforms aimed at promoting inclusive growth and shared prosperity.

“There is a fundamental point to be made: that the enduring solution to Nigeria’s security challenges lies in shared and inclusive economic growth and shared prosperity,” he said.

“This is why President Tinubu is championing the most ambitious, forward-looking, and productive economic reforms in our nation’s history.”

The minister also urged Nigerians to support security agencies and reject divisive narratives, stressing that terrorism has no ethnic, religious or political identity.

“Whether in Oyo, Borno, Zamfara, Kaduna, Plateau, Benue, the South-East, or any other part of Nigeria, an attack against one Nigerian is an attack against all Nigerians,” he said.

“Terrorism has no tribe. Terrorism has no religion. Terrorism has no political affiliation. Its only purpose is destruction.”

Idris called on media organisations to exercise restraint and professionalism in reporting security issues, warning that sensational coverage could inadvertently advance the objectives of terrorist groups.

“To the families whose children and loved ones remain in captivity, I convey the assurances of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.

“Your pain is our pain. Your government – our government – has not forgotten you.

“Every available resource is being deployed. Every security agency remains engaged. Every intelligence lead is being pursued.”

Idris expressed confidence that the country would overcome the current security challenges.

“Nigeria has faced difficult moments before and emerged stronger. We shall overcome this challenge as well,” he said.

“We shall defeat terrorism. We shall protect our schools. We shall safeguard our children. And we shall continue to build a nation where every Nigerian can live, learn, work, and prosper in peace.”