BREAKING: Nigeria Declares 31 Individuals and Groups as Terrorists Ahead of 2026

In a significant move aimed at strengthening national security and combating violence, the Nigerian government has officially identified 31 individuals and organizations as terrorists under a newly implemented law. This decisive step is part of a broader initiative to protect citizens, ensure public safety, and curtail unlawful armed activities across the country.

The announcement comes amid rising concerns over violence, armed robbery, and criminal networks that have increasingly threatened communities. By categorizing these entities as terrorists, authorities aim to deter violent crimes and enforce stricter penalties against offenders.

Comprehensive List of Individuals and Groups Classified as Terrorists

The government’s new declaration includes a wide range of actors, both individuals and groups, who are engaged in illegal or violent activities. The full list is as follows:

1. Armed groups operating outside state control – Militias or paramilitary factions not authorized by the government.
2. Individuals possessing weapons without authorization – Civilians or criminals carrying arms illegally.
3. Bandits – Groups involved in organized criminal activities such as robbery or assault.
4. Militias – Local armed factions often operating independently of law enforcement.
5. Armed gangs – Criminal collectives engaging in violent acts.
6. Criminal networks with weapons – Syndicates managing illegal arms operations.
7. Armed robbers – Individuals or groups committing robbery using firearms.
8. Violent cult groups – Secret societies or gangs that utilize violence to intimidate.
9. Forest-based armed groups – Criminal organizations operating in remote areas or forests.
10. Foreign-linked mercenaries – International actors involved in violent operations within Nigeria.
11. Political violence actors – Individuals instigating or participating in politically motivated violence.
12. Ethnic violence actors – Those promoting conflict based on ethnicity.
13. Financial violence actors – Individuals using money as a tool to fund or commit violence.
14. Sectarian violence actors – Groups exploiting religious or sectarian differences to incite conflict.
15. Kidnappers – People engaged in abduction for ransom or political leverage.
16. Extortionists – Individuals demanding money or favors under threat of violence.
17. Financiers of armed groups – People funding illegal armed organizations.
18. Money handlers for criminals – Those managing or laundering illicit funds for violent actors.
19. Harborers of criminals – Individuals providing refuge to wanted criminals.
20. Informants assisting criminal networks – People feeding information to help criminal operations.
21. Ransom facilitators – Individuals involved in negotiating or collecting ransom.
22. Ransom negotiators – Agents mediating abduction settlements.
23. Political protectors of criminals – Politicians shielding violent actors from prosecution.
24. Political intermediaries promoting violence – Figures acting as middlemen in political-driven violence.
25. Transporters of fighters or weapons – Individuals or groups moving armed personnel or weapons illegally.
26. Arms suppliers – Sellers or distributors of illegal weapons.
27. Safe house owners – People providing hideouts for criminals or terrorists.
28. Politicians encouraging violence – Elected officials inciting unrest.
29. Traditional rulers supporting terror activities – Community leaders legitimizing violent actors.
30. Community leaders aiding violent acts – Local authorities assisting in criminal or terror activities.
31. Religious leaders justifying terrorism – Clerics or faith leaders promoting or defending violent acts in the name of religion.

Government’s Objective

The Nigerian authorities have emphasized that this declaration is designed to curb violence, hold offenders accountable, and make Nigeria a safer place for all citizens. By clearly defining these categories, the government aims to dismantle criminal networks, cut off funding channels, and eliminate safe havens for violent actors.

This proactive approach also seeks to reduce the risk of politically, ethnically, and religiously motivated conflicts while ensuring law enforcement agencies have a legal framework to prosecute offenders effectively.

The government urges citizens to report suspicious activities and support national security efforts to strengthen the country’s fight against terrorism.