Amidst the rising insecurity and fresh attacks across States in the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Federal Government has made it clear that what the country urgently needs is not more summits or meetings—but a total overhaul of military tactics.
Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, speaking during a ministerial briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, emphasized that a new, smarter, and more aggressive approach to fighting terrorism and banditry is far more critical than gathering people to talk about the problem again.
This comes a day after the Nigerian Senate announced plans to hold a two-day national security summit to discuss solutions to the wave of killings, kidnappings, and general insecurity plaguing the nation.
But Minister Badaru questioned the effectiveness of such gatherings, stating, “Strategy is far more important than summit. Yes, summits help you gather ideas, but without proper execution, they’re just talk.”
He explained that while the Senate’s intention may be good, the government is more focused on reshaping the way Nigeria’s military tackles threats—especially from insurgents and armed herders who operate like guerrilla fighters.
“This is not a conventional war. Terrorists have informants, they know our moves. What we need is smarter, more flexible strategies—not more conferences,” Badaru said.
Contrary to some recent claims by lawmakers, the Minister insisted that Nigeria’s military is not lacking in weapons or equipment. He firmly denied that terrorists have more firepower than the armed forces.
READ ALSO: Senate to Host 2-Day Security Summit, Seeks New Ideas to Curb Insecurity
“We have much more sophisticated weapons and drones. The problem isn’t about firepower—it’s about surprise attacks and insider information the terrorists use,” he said.
He revealed that out of 53 companies under Nigeria’s Defence Industrial Complex, 10 are already producing key military gear like drones, helmets, and bulletproof vests. The plan is to have at least 20 companies fully running by the end of 2025 and begin exporting defense materials by 2026.
The government is also working on reviving parts of the Ajaokuta Steel Company to help boost local production of military hardware.
Despite recent attacks that have left the nation in mourning, Badaru gave an update on military achievements under the current administration.
From May 2023 to February 2025, Nigerian troops reportedly eliminated 13,541 terrorists and criminals, arrested 17,469 suspects, rescued 9,821 kidnapped hostages, and recovered over 11,000 weapons and 252,000 rounds of ammunition. He added that more than 124,000 Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters and their families have surrendered.
“These are not just numbers—they represent lives saved and communities restored,” Badaru stressed.
However, despite the progress claimed by the government, the reality on the ground remains troubling.
In Benue State, four people—including an APC chieftain—were killed on Tuesday when suspected armed herders attacked Mbatsada community. The Chairman of Gwer-East LGA, Timothy Adi, called the attack “unprovoked” and urged residents to stay vigilant.
“It’s painful, but we won’t let fear win,” Adi said. He noted that this was the second such attack in just two weeks.
In Borno State, Boko Haram insurgents launched an early morning ambush in Giwa, killing an Army captain and one other soldier. However, community members and local security forces were able to repel the attack, killing three terrorists and recovering their weapons and motorcycles.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, is currently in the North-East overseeing ongoing operations under “Operation HADIN KAI.”
On the other hand, Dr. Umar Pella, Adamawa’s Commissioner for Higher Education, warned that Nigeria’s insecurity problem cannot be solved by weapons alone. Speaking at a UNICEF event in Yola, he blamed decades of underinvestment in education for creating fertile ground for terrorism and banditry.
“When education fails, insecurity rises. We are spending money meant for schools and hospitals on guns and bullets,” he warned.
He urged government at all levels to prioritize education as part of the fight against insecurity, saying it’s the only way to stop young people from being recruited by criminal groups.
Meanwhile, a security expert and former commander, Bello Bakyasuwa, has called for the resignation of Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, accusing him of failing to protect lives in his home state, Zamfara.
He pointed to the killing of a Chief Imam and his two children in Maru as proof that the government is not doing enough.
But in response, Matawalle’s spokesperson dismissed the allegations as “politically motivated,” blaming the state governor instead.
