FG designates kidnappers, bandits as terrorists

The federal government has officially designated kidnappers and violent armed groups operating across Nigeria as terrorists, marking a significant escalation in the country’s response to persistent insecurity.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, announced the decision on Monday during the federal government’s end-of-year press briefing in Abuja.

He said, “Henceforth, any armed group or individual that kidnaps our children, attacks our farmers and terrorises our communities is officially classified and will be dealt with as a terrorist.”

According to him, the policy puts an end to years of what he described as vague labels for violent groups across the country.

He stressed that there would no longer be room for ambiguity in how such actors were classified.

He said, “The era of ambiguous nomenclature is over. If you terrorise our people, whether as a group or an individual, you are a terrorist and will be treated as such.”

He explained that the new designation would strengthen intelligence sharing and enhance coordination among security agencies, allowing for faster and more decisive counterterrorism operations against perpetrators of violence.

‘Diplomatic row with US resolved’

Idris also Nigeria had resolved its recent diplomatic spat with the US through a firm and respectful engagement.

Daily Trust reports that Nigeria’s relations with the US faced a major strain this year, becoming one of the country’s most serious diplomatic challenges. The strain began in July when the US Embassy reduced the validity and entry privileges of most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to Nigerians, limiting stays to three months with single entry. Washington cited an imbalance in visa reciprocity as the reason.

The situation worsened as allegations of a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria gained traction within President Donald Trump’s circle, leading to Nigeria’s re-designation as a “country of particular concern” over religious freedom.

Earlier this month, the US imposed targeted visa restrictions on Nigerians accused of violating religious freedom, followed weeks later by Nigeria’s inclusion on a partial travel ban list.

The actions came despite ongoing security engagement, with US lawmakers indicating progress towards a strategic security framework to tackle terrorism in Nigeria.

Diplomatic tensions deepened further last week when the Trump administration recalled envoys from Nigeria and other African countries shortly after talks on strengthening bilateral cooperation.

“The recent diplomatic spat with the United States has been largely resolved through firm and respectful engagement, culminating in a strengthened partnership between America and Nigeria,” Idris told reporters at the press briefing.

He noted that Nigeria’s government and independent analysts rejected framing the country’s violence primarily as religious persecution, arguing that the conflicts were complex and affected both Muslim and Christian civilians.

However, Idris said there were signs of improving security cooperation between both countries, including increased engagement following Nigeria’s hosting of a US congressional delegation earlier this month.

Addressing concerns over a recent US aid package, Idris defended an agreement under which Washington would contribute $2.1bn, some of which the US State Department said would emphasise faith-based healthcare providers.

“Every Nigerian will benefit from this arrangement,” Idris said, insisting the aid would be deployed inclusively.

“This has been described as the largest co-investment by any country to date under the America First Global Health Strategy. It will strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system, save lives and attract investment,” he added.

Trump recalls US ambassador to Nigeria

United States President, Donald Trump, has recalled Richard Mills, the US Ambassador to Nigeria, as part of a sweeping diplomatic shake-up affecting more than two-dozen American missions worldwide.

Nigeria is among 15 African countries whose envoys have been recalled. Others affected on the continent are Algeria, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Gabon, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Madagascar, Mauritius, Niger, Rwanda, Senegal, Somalia and Uganda.

In the Asia-Pacific region, the shake-up affected Fiji, Laos, the Marshall Islands, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines and Vietnam, while Armenia, North Macedonia, Montenegro and Slovakia were impacted in Europe. Guatemala and Suriname were affected in the Western Hemisphere.

State department officials told The Guardian UK that the affected chiefs of mission were informed last week that their tenures would end in January.

A state department official confirmed that the ambassadors were appointed during the administration of former President Joe Biden and would now conclude their postings as chiefs of mission in January.

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