FG Unveils National Counterterrorism Doctrine

The federal government has introduced a new national counterterrorism doctrine, declaring that any armed group that kidnaps or terrorizes communities will be officially classified and dealt with as a terrorist organization.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation Alhaji Mohammed Idris, made this known at an end-of-year news conference in Abuja.

He also announced the release of the remaining students abducted from a school in Niger State.

The Minister hailed the proposed 2026 Budget dubbed the “Budget of Consolidation, Renewed Resilience and Shared Prosperity, as the largest-ever capital expenditure with a record allocation to Defence and Security.

According to him, “On infrastructure, the government is committing over 1.5 trillion Naira to roads this year alone, focusing on four major legacy highways designed to last up to a century.”

“For the youth, over 788,000 students have received interest-free loans, and new programs like the Student Venture Capital Grant launched to fund undergraduate innovators.”

While outlining the vision for next year, the Minister presented the scorecard for 2025 with key highlights including economic growth nearing 4%, inflation declining for eight straight months to 14.45%, and external reserves rising to over 44 billion dollars as well as Nigeria’s exit from the global Financial Action Task Force’s Grey List.

Alhaji Idris noted the resolution of a diplomatic spat with the United States, culminating in a new 5.1-billion-dollar health partnership saying that, Nigeria has also regained a seat on the International Maritime Organisation Council after 14 years.

The information minister concluded by highlighting that the temporary pains of government reforms are yielding permanent gains with the federal government consolidating stability, empowering youth, and building a nation where every citizen has an opportunity to thrive.

Florence Adewale, Edited By Grace Namiji