The President Bola Tinubu-led federal government has officially designated kidnappers and other violent armed groups across Nigeria as terrorists.

The development marked a major decision in the federal government’s response to widespread insecurity.

The declaration, which targets abductions, attacks on farmers, and violent assaults on communities, was announced on Monday by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, during a briefing with journalists in Abuja.

According to Mr Idris, the President has made it clear that there will no longer be any ambiguity in how such criminal groups are classified.

“Henceforth, any armed group that kidnaps our children, attacks our farmers, and terrorises our communities are officially classified and would be dealt with as terrorist organization.

“Any individual or any group. This is the declaration that Mr. President (Tinubu) has made. The era of ambiguous nomenclature is over. If you terrorise our people, whether you’re a group or an individual, you’re a terrorist and you would be classified as such,” he said. 

Mr Idris stressed that the designation applies without exception, whether the perpetrators operate as organised groups or as individuals.

The latest move by Mr Tinubu signals a tougher stance by the administration in its efforts to curb insecurity nationwide.

The Tinubu administration has reiterated its commitment to restoring peace and security nationwide, insisting that criminals would no longer be allowed to operate under soft labels or exploit legal loopholes.

Kidnapping for ransom, attacks on farmlands, and community invasions remained major security concerns, particularly in rural areas, disrupting livelihoods and forcing residents to abandon their homes.