We’re Eliminating Boko Haram, Attacks Have Reduced – Minister Of Defence
The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has said that Nigerian troops are gaining the upper hand in the fight against Boko Haram in the Northeast, noting that several insurgents have been neutralised in recent weeks.
Speaking to journalists in Kaduna after a two-day working visit to key military institutions, Badaru said, “In the past one or two weeks, you’ve seen us gaining momentum, attacking and eliminating Boko Haram elements. Attacks on our camps have either stopped or reduced to the barest minimum. Our troops are doing wonderfully well, and we will continue to improve our response to this new threat.”
During his visit, Badaru toured facilities at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), including the Hall of Fame, Centre of Excellence (under construction), Senate Building, Postgraduate School, and the Centre for Innovation and Creativity.
He was received by the NDA Commandant, Major General A.K. Ibrahim, who briefed him on ongoing operations and developments.
The Minister also visited the Army Engineering Depot, Buffalo Engineering Technical Services (BET), and the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), where he praised innovations in equipment production and military research.
“We are gradually moving from import dependency to self-reliance. From manufacturing EMRAPs and UAVs to maintaining and repairing damaged equipment locally, our military institutions are making great strides in research and development,” Badaru stated.
He stressed the importance of military training and reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting institutions like the NDA in producing capable and disciplined officers.
Commenting on broader security challenges, Badaru said efforts were ongoing to manage communal clashes and other crises across the country.
“In areas of communal conflict, we are working on restraint measures. Herders will be restricted to designated grazing zones while efforts are made to discourage retaliatory attacks. Dialogue and security reinforcement are both being deployed,” he said.
Badaru also addressed the regional security outlook and linked recent terrorist activities in Borno and other states to instability in neighbouring Sahel countries.
“It’s a new threat. We are gauging it and will fight it. By God’s grace and with your prayers, normalcy will return,” he assured.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
