Tinubu Declares Fulani Militias, Bandits, Armed Groups as Terrorists

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially classified all armed groups operating outside the authority of the Nigerian state as terrorists. This designation covers Fulani militias, bandit groups, violent cult networks, and other non-state actors who carry weapons and engage in violent activities without government approval.

The President made this declaration while presenting the ₦58.46 trillion 2026 Appropriation Bill to a joint sitting of the National Assembly on Friday. During the budget presentation, he emphasized the government’s position on national security and the threat posed by armed groups that operate independently of state control.

By categorizing these groups as terrorists, the administration signals a unified stance against all forms of organized violence that undermine public safety, national stability, and the rule of law. The statement places Fulani militias, bandits, violent cults, and other armed non-state actors under the same security and legal framework, regardless of their background or structure.

This declaration underscores the government’s intention to confront insecurity with a broader definition that removes ambiguity around armed violence. It also reflects an effort to align internal security responses with international counterterrorism standards, where non-state armed groups engaging in violence are treated as terrorist threats.

The announcement, delivered during a major fiscal address, highlights the administration’s view that security remains central to Nigeria’s economic planning and national priorities. It reinforces the message that addressing insecurity is essential for governance, development, and long-term stability.