The Federal Government (FG) has assured that all security operations against terrorists and criminal elements will strictly adhere to international rules of engagement.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, gave this assurance yesterday, during an end-of-year press briefing at the NICON Luxury Hotel in Abuja.
He was addressing concerns regarding the government’s new counter-terrorism doctrine, which now classifies all non-state armed groups—including bandits, militias, and their enablers—as terrorists.
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“Nigeria has to defend itself as a country by observing the highest standards of procedure,” Idris stated, noting that the Armed Forces are collaborating with international partners to maintain these protocols.
The minister presented a comprehensive report on the administration’s economic performance for 2025, stating that the country had begun a transition from what he described as “temporary pains” to “permanent gains.”
He stated that the economy recorded a 3.98% GDP growth in the third quarter of 2025, primarily driven by a strong performance in the non-oil sector.
The minister also noted sustained progress in inflation management, with headline inflation declining for eight consecutive months to 14.45% in November.
According to the report, Nigeria posted a ₦6.69 trillion trade surplus, representing a 27.29% year-on-year increase, while external reserves rose to approximately $44.56 billion, helping to stabilise the naira.
He added that investor confidence remained strong, citing a recent Eurobond issuance that was 400% oversubscribed, raising $2.3 billion in international capital.
Idris emphasised that 2025 recorded the largest coordinated financial interventions in Nigeria’s history across the power, transport and agriculture sectors.
In the power sector, he stated that Nigeria achieved a record high daily energy output of 128,370.75 megawatt-hours on March 4, 2025.
He added that the government launched the Presidential Power Sector Debt Reduction Programme to clear outstanding arrears and restore liquidity across the industry.
Regarding transport infrastructure, Idris disclosed that more than ₦1.5 trillion has been invested in road construction, with a focus on the Four Legacy Highway Projects, including the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway and the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway.
He explained that the roads were being built with reinforced concrete designed to last up to 100 years.
He also said President Bola Tinubu approved a ₦1.5 trillion recapitalisation of the Bank of Agriculture to strengthen national food security and boost agricultural productivity.
In a major security update, the minister confirmed the successful release of all 230 pupils abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State.
“Not a single pupil is left in captivity,” Idris confirmed, bringing an end to a distressing month-long ordeal.
He expressed the government’s sympathy for the affected parents and wished the families a joyful and healing reunion ahead of the Christmas celebrations.
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He added that a total of 230 pupils and staff had been successfully rescued and reunited with their families in time for the festivities.
Looking ahead, he said the government would continue to focus on “raising the edifice” of a more secure Nigeria in 2026.
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