Abuja — The Federal Government has officially classified kidnappers, bandits and other violent armed groups as terrorists, bringing their activities under Nigeria’s counterterrorism laws in a bid to strengthen the fight against insecurity.
The declaration was made on Monday in Abuja during the Federal Government’s end-of-year press briefing by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, .
Idris said the new designation reflects the government’s assessment that mass kidnappings, persistent attacks on farming communities and organised rural violence now pose a national security threat rather than mere criminal activity.
Under the classification, acts such as abductions for ransom, coordinated assaults on communities and sustained campaigns of violence by organised armed groups will be addressed within the country’s counterterrorism framework. This allows security agencies to apply tougher legal provisions and expand operational measures against those involved.
According to the minister, the policy is aimed at eliminating legal constraints that previously limited the use of counterterrorism laws against armed groups responsible for widespread violence, particularly in parts of the North and other affected regions.
“Henceforth, any armed group or individual that kidnaps citizens, attacks farming communities or terrorises any part of the country will be treated and prosecuted as terrorists,” Idris said.
Security analysts note that the move could lead to stiffer penalties under the Terrorism (Prevention) Act and provide broader legal backing for intelligence-led and military operations against bandit networks.
However, civil society groups have cautioned that the expanded use of terrorism laws must be accompanied by safeguards to ensure respect for human rights and due process.
The decision follows sustained calls from state governors, lawmakers and security experts for firmer legal tools to address organised violence in rural and semi-urban areas, where banditry and kidnapping have resulted in significant loss of lives and displacement.
The Federal Government said the designation forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen national security coordination and improve collaboration among the military, police, intelligence agencies and local security structures.