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President Tinubu classifies bandits, militias, violent cults, and foreign-linked mercenaries as terrorists
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New security framework to unify counterterrorism operations under coordinated command
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Government prioritises law enforcement, military capability, and accountability for security spending
President Bola Tinubu has announced that all armed non-state actors operating outside state authority will henceforth be treated as terrorists, under a new national security and criminal justice framework.
He made the declaration on Friday while presenting the 2026 budget to the joint session of the National Assembly. The move, he said, is aimed at addressing growing threats to national stability.
Under the revised security architecture, bandits, violent cults, militias, armed gangs, forest-based criminal groups, and foreign-linked mercenaries will no longer be regarded as isolated criminal elements but as direct threats to Nigeria’s security.
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“We are ushering in a new era of criminal justice. There will be no mercy for those committing or supporting terrorism, banditry, kidnapping for ransom, and other violent crimes,” Tinubu stated.
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The President explained that the new counterterrorism doctrine involves a holistic redesign, anchored on unified command, intelligence gathering, community stability, and counter-insurgency, which will transform how violent crimes are addressed in the country.
Tinubu said the framework targets not only perpetrators but also their enablers, including financiers, facilitators, and political or sectarian actors who support violence.
“Any armed group or gun-wielding non-state actors operating outside state authority will be regarded as terrorists. We will pursue all those perpetrating violence and those facilitating it,” he said.
The President reassured Nigerians of his administration’s commitment to restoring law and order nationwide. He emphasised that security spending will be tied to accountability and measurable outcomes, and pledged to strengthen the capabilities of the armed forces with modern equipment and training.
This announcement coincides with the 2026 budget presentation, in which Tinubu allocated ₦5.41 trillion for security, underscoring the government’s determination to prioritize national safety and stability.
