The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar, stated on Wednesday that security breaches in Nigeria have reduced by an estimated 65% due to renewed efforts by the Armed Forces.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja ahead of the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration, the minister, represented by Permanent Secretary Ibrahim Kana, emphasized that terrorism and banditry are now under control. He reaffirmed the military’s commitment to reducing security incidents to an “insignificant level.”
Abubakar attributed the improved security situation to the Armed Forces’ ability to adapt to evolving tactics used by criminals, bandits, and terrorists.
He highlighted that the military has been relentless in dislodging these criminals from their strongholds, with new strategies and tactics ensuring that the battle is taken directly to the perpetrators.
Despite these successes, the minister noted that the ongoing fight against terrorism and banditry continues to drain national resources. He also criticized the initial classification of bandits as criminals rather than terrorists, noting that the designation had hindered the fight against the insurgency in the North West and North Central regions.
However, with bandits now recognized as terrorists, the government has intensified its efforts to combat these threats.
Abubakar further disclosed that the military, under the leadership of Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa, has successfully reintegrated the Niger Republic into the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF).
This move is expected to bolster border security and improve overall regional cooperation in the fight against insurgency.
The minister also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to de-radicalizing and rehabilitating repentant insurgents, despite resistance from citizens who remain aggrieved by the actions of former militants. He urged Nigerians to cooperate with the government in order to facilitate an end to the insurgency and restore peace across the country.
In closing, Abubakar assured the public that the federal government would continue to prioritize the welfare, training, and equipment needs of Nigerian troops to maintain operational efficiency.
He also emphasized the importance of intelligence gathering and forming stronger partnerships with neighboring West African nations to proactively address security challenges.