Over 13,000 terrorists killed, 17,000 arrested under Tinubu administration — Nigerian govt

The Federal Government says that security forces have eliminated over 13,000 terrorists and arrested more than 17,000 others since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office in May 2023.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the disclosure during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday. He explained that the figures were provided by security agencies as part of ongoing counter-terrorism operations across the country. Idris emphasized that, despite criticism from some international organizations, the Tinubu administration has made “significant progress” in combating violent extremism, banditry, and related security threats.

The minister noted that these achievements contradict recent claims before the United States House Subcommittee on Africa, where Nigeria was redesignated as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged persecution of Christians. He insisted that the administration had neither ignored nor downplayed security challenges but had actively strengthened military operations nationwide.

“From May 2023 to date, over 13,500 of these criminals have been neutralized, and more than 17,000 have been apprehended. Many are already facing trial, while others have been convicted,” Idris stated.

Idris added that President Tinubu is “deeply saddened” by the loss of lives across the country, stressing that killings—whether of Christians or Muslims—are unacceptable. “We don’t need a situation where anybody is killed, regardless of their faith. It’s not good for our country, and no one should be happy that innocent lives are being lost,” he said.

The minister also dismissed claims of a targeted religious genocide, noting that violence affects citizens of different faiths. “Christians are being killed in some places, and Muslims are also being killed. It is a sad situation, but the government is doing quite a lot to address it,” Idris added.