…To Classify All Groups Terrorising Nigerians As Terrorists
The Federal Government has said the recent diplomatic dispute between Nigeria and the United States has been largely resolved.
According to the Nigerian government, the row resulted in stronger partnerships in security and development cooperation.
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The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated this on Monday during an end-of-year press conference in Abuja, where he reviewed key security and foreign policy developments recorded by the Bola Tinubu administration in 2025.
According to Idris, Nigeria navigated the “complex international diplomacy” with firmness, maturity and dignity.
“For example, the recent diplomatic spat with the United States has been largely resolved through a firm, respectful engagement culminating in a strengthened partnership between America and Nigeria,” Idris said.
He added that, contrary to claims that the diplomatic crisis damaged Nigeria’s global standing, it deepened cooperation in the area of security.
“What has happened, as bad as it was, has also helped to strengthen the kind of collaboration that Nigeria is having with the United States of America, especially in the area of security, making sure that Nigerians live free of crime and criminal elements,” he said.
President Donald Trump had recently criticised the Tinubu administration over violence against Christians in Nigeria and threatened to cut aid and consider military action in the country.
The statements followed his designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” for religious freedom violations
But Idris said as further evidence of the improved relationship between Nigeria and the U.S., a five-year $5.18bn health cooperation Memorandum of Understanding was signed between both countries days ago.
Under the agreement, the United States will provide $2.18bn in grant funding, while Nigeria will contribute $3bn. The minister described the deal as the largest co-investment by any country under the America First Global Health Strategy.
“This will strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system, it will save lives, and it will also attract investment,” Idris said.
He further dismissed claims circulating in some quarters that the agreement was targeted at a particular region or religious group.
“What is contained in that MOU, and no particular religion was mentioned, is multi-faith cooperation amongst all Nigerians, meaning that every Nigerian is going to be a beneficiary of this arrangement,” he said.
The minister also outlined major security measures taken by the Federal Government in 2025, including President Tinubu’s declaration of a nationwide security emergency.
He said the declaration would translate into massive recruitment into the armed forces and police, as well as the deployment of trained forest guards to secure forests and other vulnerable areas previously exploited by criminal groups.
“With this kind of recruitment and this declaration by Mr President, there will be no hiding place for criminals and terrorists in our forests,” Idris said.
He further announced an end to “ambiguous nomenclature” in addressing insecurity or criminal elements.
The government warned that any individual or group involved in kidnapping, attacks on farmers or community terror would henceforth be classified and treated strictly as terrorists.
“The era of ambiguous nomenclature is over. If you terrorise our people, whether you are a group or an individual, you are a terrorist and you will be classified as such,” he declared.
Idris also mentioned the capture of one of the most internationally wanted ISWAP leaders and his chief of staff through coordinated efforts of Nigeria’s security and intelligence agencies, noting that both suspects are currently facing trial.