Defence Minister Advocates Strategic Overhaul as Senate Plans Security Summit Amid New Attacks

In response to a surge in violent incidents in Borno and Benue states, the Federal Government has prioritized a strategic overhaul of military operations over convening a national security summit.

The Senate had proposed a two-day summit to address the rising insecurity, but Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru emphasized that while summits can provide valuable input, the real solution lies in renewing and implementing effective military strategies.

Badaru clarified, “When you hold a summit, people talk, and we take their inputs to design or renew our strategy.” He stressed that the Chief of Defence Staff issues operational orders based on these strategies. Rejecting assertions that terrorists are better armed, the minister insisted Nigerian forces have superior weapons and drones, but face challenges from guerrilla tactics and informants aiding insurgents.

On military self-sufficiency, Badaru disclosed that 10 companies within the Defence Industrial Complex are already producing drones and military gear, with plans to increase this number to 20 by the end of 2025 and start exports in 2026. The government is also working to revive Ajaokuta Steel to support hardware production.

The minister’s comments followed deadly attacks: in Benue, suspected armed herders killed four people, including an APC leader, in Gwer East LGA; in Borno, Boko Haram ambushed a military facility in Giwa, killing an Army captain and a soldier. The Emir of Gwoza confirmed the attack and reported that security forces killed three terrorists and seized weapons.

Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Army Staff, is leading frontline operations in the Northeast under Operation HADIN KAI. Badaru highlighted significant military successes from May 2023 to February 2025, including neutralizing over 13,500 terrorists, arresting 17,469 criminals, rescuing 9,821 hostages, and securing the surrender of 124,408 Boko Haram/ISWAP members.

Experts like Adamawa’s Higher Education Commissioner, Dr. Umar Pella, link insecurity to decades of educational neglect, urging increased investment in education to reduce recruitment into violent groups.

Meanwhile, retired officer Bello Bakyasuwa called for the resignation of Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle over perceived failures in Zamfara’s security, a claim refuted by the minister’s adviser as politically motivated.

The government remains committed to strategic military reforms and enhanced intelligence to curb Nigeria’s security threats.