Adesanya-Davies applauds FG’s terrorist designation for kidnappers, bandits
A former presidential candidate and Peace Consul of UN-POLAC, Prof. Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies, has welcomed the Federal Government’s decision to classify kidnappers, bandits and other violent armed groups as terrorists, describing the move as a major shift in Nigeria’s fight against insecurity.
The declaration, announced by the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, formally places crimes such as mass abductions, rural banditry and attacks on farming communities within the framework of counterterrorism operations.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Monday, Adesanya-Davies said the decision reflects a stronger resolve by the government to protect lives and livelihoods across the country. According to her, treating kidnappings and armed banditry as acts of terrorism sends a clear signal that such violence will no longer be regarded as ordinary criminality.
“This policy change demonstrates a strong commitment to addressing the root causes of insecurity and protecting Nigerians,” she said. “A counterterrorism approach allows for tougher responses, better intelligence coordination and more decisive action against perpetrators.”
She noted that the new classification is expected to improve intelligence sharing and operational synergy among security agencies, while also opening the door for additional resources and specialised training to confront the threats more effectively.
Adesanya-Davies also commended ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to secure rural and forested areas, including plans to deploy trained forest guards. She said the initiative would help dismantle criminal camps, disrupt supply routes and restore confidence among farmers and rural dwellers.
Highlighting recent security gains, she referenced the arrest of high-profile terror suspects as evidence of improved inter-agency collaboration. She urged citizens to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information.
The UN-POLAC Peace Consul further called on the media and the public to consistently refer to kidnappers and bandits as terrorists, stressing that the terminology reflects the severity of their actions and the national threat they pose.
She concluded by appealing for sustained domestic and international cooperation to curb insurgency and terrorism, as Nigeria intensifies efforts to restore peace and stability nationwide.
The Federal Government’s declaration has drawn widespread reactions from security analysts and community leaders, many of whom see it as a critical step toward a more robust and unified response to Nigeria’s lingering security challenges.
