Nigeria is making significant strides in its fight against insecurity, according to the country’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar Badaru. In a recent interview, Mr Badaru highlighted the progress made by the military in securing key roads and regions, allowing Nigerians to travel safely, even at night. For instance, the Birnin Gwari to Kaduna road, once a notorious hotspot for banditry, is now largely secure, with travellers able to use it even at midnight.
President Bola Tinubu has given a clear directive to end insecurity decisively and quickly, with a target of achieving total victory by the end of 2025. To achieve this goal, the military has launched several operations, including Operation Fasan Yama, which has yielded impressive results. So far, 13,543 terrorists and bandits have been neutralised, 17,500 arrested, 9,821 hostages rescued, and 24,000 terrorists have surrendered. These numbers represent not just statistics, but lives saved, villages reclaimed, and communities restored.
In addition to the military gains, there has been a return to normalcy in many parts of the Northeast and Northwest regions. Markets are once again bustling with activity, farms are productive, and communities are rebuilding trust. The progress is tangible and visible, with various communities, including the Fulani and Hausa, coming together to rebuild their lives.
The government has also taken steps to boost troop welfare, with President Tinubu approving ₦18 billion to clear insurance arrears for military personnel. Troop ration allowances have been doubled, and life insurance now covers all soldiers. The minister has personally visited frontline bases to hear the concerns of soldiers and boost their morale.
Furthermore, the military has undergone significant modernisation, with the acquisition of new equipment, including attack helicopters, UAVs, MRAPs, and APCs. The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria Bill has been hailed as a game-changer, with over 100 local and international defence partnerships signed. The country is now producing its own ammunition, and two MRAPs assembled locally are a testament to the country’s growing defence independence.
The minister also reported a decline in pipeline vandalism and oil theft in the South-South region, with crude oil production increasing from 1.4 million to nearly 1.8 million barrels daily. The military has arrested six ships, destroyed 2,000 illegal refineries, and dismantled over 5,000 crude oil storage pits.
Looking to the future, Mr Badaru expressed confidence that the government is on track to achieving total victory over insecurity by the end of 2025. He called on Nigerians to remain hopeful and united, saying that while change may not happen overnight, a solid foundation is being laid. The president’s commitment to securing Nigeria is unwavering, and with the progress made so far, there is reason to believe that the country is turning a corner in its fight against insecurity.
