Defence Minister: Nigeria Making Gains in Battle Against Insecurity
By: Zagazola Makama
The Minister of Defence, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar Badaru, has said that recent operational successes by the Nigerian military indicate the country is making significant progress in the fight against insecurity.
Speaking in an interview for an upcoming State House documentary commemorating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second anniversary in office, the minister cited improvements in several flashpoint areas previously plagued by banditry and insurgency.
“For the first time in years, Nigerians can travel the Birnin Gwari to Kaduna road even at midnight. That’s progress,” Badaru said. “Zaria to Funtua to Gusau is now peaceful, and Abuja-Kaduna road has been largely secured.”
He attributed the gains to strategic directives issued by President Tinubu, including a mandate to decisively end insecurity before the close of 2025.
Citing data from ongoing military operations such as Operation Fasan Yama, Badaru reported that 13,543 terrorists and bandits had been neutralised, 17,500 arrested, 9,821 hostages rescued, and more than 24,000 terrorists had surrendered.
“These are not just numbers,” he said. “These are lives saved, villages reclaimed, and communities restored.”
The minister also highlighted signs of recovery in the Northeast and Northwest, noting that farming activities had resumed and local markets had reopened, while inter-communal trust was gradually being rebuilt.
He emphasized the administration’s commitment to troop welfare, revealing that President Tinubu had approved ₦18 billion to clear outstanding insurance arrears for military personnel.
“We’ve doubled troop ration allowances from ₦1,500 to ₦3,000,” Badaru said. “Life insurance now covers all soldiers, and I’ve personally visited frontline bases to listen to their concerns and boost morale.”
He also spoke on efforts to modernize the armed forces, noting significant improvements in military hardware and logistics.
“President Tinubu has not turned down a single request for equipment,” he said. “We now have attack helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), mine-resistant ambush protected vehicles (MRAPs), and armoured personnel carriers (APCs). Our armed forces are better equipped than ever.”
On defence industrialization, the minister described the recently passed Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria Bill as a milestone for self-sufficiency.
“We’ve signed over 100 local and international defence partnerships. We’re producing ammunition here, and two MRAPs assembled locally are parked right outside this office,” he said. “This is the beginning of true defence independence.”
Badaru also reported significant achievements in the South-South, including a reduction in pipeline vandalism and oil theft, with crude oil production rising from 1.4 million to nearly 1.8 million barrels per day.
“We’ve arrested six ships, destroyed 2,000 illegal refineries, and dismantled over 5,000 crude oil storage pits,” he disclosed.
The minister assured Nigerians that the Federal Government remained fully committed to securing the nation.
“This President is not making empty promises. He’s building the institutions, the morale, the partnerships, and the firepower to secure Nigeria,” he said. “We are not relenting. The goal is total victory over insecurity by the end of 2025, and we are on track.”
He urged citizens to remain hopeful and united, assuring them that lasting peace and security were achievable.
