The Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, has dismissed calls for a national security summit proposed by the Senate, insisting that a well-crafted security strategy would be more effective in tackling the country’s security challenges.
The Senate had, upon resuming plenary on Tuesday, suggested a two-day summit involving security chiefs and state governors to address rising insecurity. However, Badaru, speaking at a ministerial briefing in Abuja yesterday, argued that while a summit could provide useful insights, a robust security strategy was paramount.
“A summit may generate ideas, but strategy is far more critical,” he said. “We take inputs from discussions, refine our approach, and issue operational directives based on that strategy.”
The minister also refuted claims by the House of Representatives that terrorists possess more sophisticated weapons than the military. “That is absolutely untrue,” Badaru stated. “Our forces are better equipped with advanced weaponry and drones. The challenge lies in the unconventional nature of this warfare—terrorists rely on informants and surprise attacks.”
He acknowledged that insurgents have used improvised drones but clarified that they lack military-grade capabilities. “We are intensifying intelligence efforts to cut off their supply chains,” he added.
Fresh Clash in Borno Claims Lives
Amid the debate, two soldiers and three Boko Haram fighters were killed in a gun battle in Izge, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
Army Chief Moves to Borno
Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has temporarily relocated to Borno to oversee counter-terrorism operations under Operation Hadin Kai. A military source confirmed his presence, stating that he is leading efforts to eliminate terrorist threats in the region.
Terrorists Suffer Heavy Losses
Badaru revealed that troops eliminated 13,541 terrorists and arrested 17,469 criminals between May 2023 and February 2025. Additionally, 9,821 hostages were rescued, while 124,408 Boko Haram/ISWAP members surrendered.
He highlighted improvements in previously volatile areas, including the Kaduna-Abuja highway and markets in the Northwest, now bustling with renewed economic activity.
Local Defence Production Boost
The minister also announced progress in domestic arms production, with 10 out of 53 defence companies now manufacturing drones, aircraft parts, and military gear. The government aims to have 20 firms operational by year-end, with exports expected in 2026.
COAS Vows to End Insurgency
During a visit to Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni, Lt. Gen. Oluyede pledged to deploy additional resources to crush terrorism in the Northeast. “We will not allow a return to the dark days of 2015,” he declared.
Governor Buni called for stronger inter-agency collaboration, assuring continued support for security operations.
As the government pushes forward with its security strategy, the debate over the best approach to combating terrorism continues to divide policymakers.
