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ABUJA, Nigeria - The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has stated that recent military successes indicate Nigeria is making progress in combating insecurity.
"For the first time in years, Nigerians can now travel the Birnin Gwari to Kaduna road even at night. That’s a sign of progress.
The routes from Zaria to Funtua to Gusau are now peaceful, and the Abuja-Kaduna road has seen significant improvements,”
Badaru remarked during an interview for a forthcoming State House documentary commemorating President Tinubu’s second anniversary.
He indicated that President Tinubu had issued a direct directive: “Eliminate insecurity decisively and do it quickly before the end of 2025.”
He credited Operation Fasan Yama and other active military operations across various locations as key to the enhanced security experienced in many regions.
Badaru pointed out that the security forces have achieved impressive results, including the neutralization of 13,543 terrorists and bandits, the arrest of 17,500 individuals, the rescue of 9,821 hostages, and the surrender of 24,000 terrorists.
“These are not merely statistics. They represent lives saved, villages recovered, and communities revitalized,” he emphasized.
He observed a return to normal conditions in many areas of the Northeast and Northwest, stating: “Markets have reopened. Farms are once again productive. We’ve witnessed Fulani, Hausa, and other communities rebuilding trust. The improvements are genuine and noticeable.”
Badaru also noted that Tinubu approved ₦18 billion to settle insurance debts for military personnel and enhance troop welfare. “We’ve increased troop ration allowances from ₦1,500 to ₦3,000. All soldiers are now covered by life insurance, and I’ve personally visited frontline bases to listen to their concerns and lift morale,” he remarked.
On military modernization, the minister stated, “President Tinubu has approved every single request for equipment. We now have attack helicopters, UAVs, MRAPs, APCs, and advanced weaponry. Our armed forces are now better equipped than ever.”
He referred to the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria Bill as revolutionary. “We’ve established over 100 local and international defense collaborations. We are producing ammunition domestically. Two locally assembled MRAPs are parked outside this office. This marks the beginning of genuine defense independence,” Badaru added.
The minister also reported a decrease in pipeline vandalism and oil theft in the South-South region, with crude oil output rising from 1.4 million to nearly 1.8 million barrels per day.
“We’ve apprehended six ships, dismantled 2,000 illegal refineries, and taken apart over 5,000 crude oil storage sites,” he revealed. Looking ahead, Mr. Badaru asserted: “This President is not making hollow promises.
He’s creating the frameworks, strengthening morale, fostering partnerships, and enhancing firepower to secure Nigeria. We are persistent. Our aim is complete victory over insecurity by the end of 2025, and we are on course.”
He urged Nigerians to stay optimistic and united: “Change doesn’t take place overnight, but we are establishing a strong foundation. Impartial observers will acknowledge that we’ve made substantial progress. The president’s dedication is steadfast.”
