President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has introduced a new counterterrorism doctrine, classifying all armed groups operating outside state authority as terrorists. This move aims to address the country’s security challenges, including threats from Fulani militias, bandits, violent cults, and other non-state actors. The President announced this during the presentation of the 2026 Appropriation Bill to the National Assembly, which allocates N5.41 trillion to defense and security.
The new security framework is designed to provide a unified command, intelligence coordination, community stability, and counter-insurgency operations. According to President Tinubu, this approach will help halt threats to Nigeria’s corporate survival and reduce anxiety among citizens. Under this new architecture, any armed group or individual operating outside state authority will be regarded as a terrorist, including bandits, militias, armed gangs, and foreign-linked mercenaries.
The classification also applies to groups or individuals carrying out violence for political, ethnic, financial, or sectarian objectives. This move is seen as a significant step in addressing the country’s insecurity challenges, which have led to a spate of kidnappings and other violent crimes. The Nigeria Union of Teachers has recently threatened to withdraw its services if security is not guaranteed, highlighting the need for urgent action.
The 2026 budget allocation of N5.41 trillion to defense and security is a significant investment in the country’s security framework. Nigerians are eagerly awaiting the implementation of the new counterterrorism doctrine and expect tangible results from the government’s efforts to tackle insecurity. The success of this new approach will depend on effective implementation and coordination among security agencies, as well as the support of local communities.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with security challenges, the international community is watching with interest. The country’s ability to address its security concerns will have significant implications for regional stability and economic development. With the new counterterrorism doctrine in place, the government is poised to take a more proactive approach to addressing insecurity, and Nigerians are hopeful that this will lead to a safer and more secure environment.