Terrorism, Banditry Under Control – Defence Minister

Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, says terrorism and banditry had been brought under control in the country despite several Nigerians being held captive.

He spoke yesterday at a press briefing heralding the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration in Abuja.

The minister who was represented by the permanent secretary, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, said the earlier classification of terrorism as banditry in the North West and North Central regions did not help the cause of its eradication, adding, „As far as we are concerned, today the bandits are terrorists/insurgents. The armed forces of Nigeria have risen up to these challenges irrespective of the costs paid by our troops. For this reason, we now have a situation that is under control.

„When bandits and criminals formulate new techniques and establish new bases when dislodged, the armed forces have continued to adopt new strategies and switch up their tactics to take the battle to their doorsteps.“

The minister said troops of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) had sustained the onslaught against insurgents which has degraded their capacity, necessitating the surrender of more than 100,000 insurgents and the elimination of their top commanders.

„In consolidating efforts to end insurgency, the Nigerian armed forces led by the Chief of Defence Staff has recently got the Republic of Niger back into the MNJTF. This will no doubt help in securing our very extensive border with that country as well as contribute to the overall effectiveness of the Joint Task Force. Thanks to the renewed vigour, incidences of security breaches have been reduced by an estimated 65% across the country and the armed forces will continue until the nation achieves insignificant level of breaches on its security.“

He said following troops’ contributions, the country‘s oil production had doubled from the level obtainable last year.

„There is hope of achieving a two-million-barrel per day output before the end of the year 2024,“ he added.

He reiterated that the federal government through the Defence Headquarters, Ministry of Defence and relevant agencies would continue to de-radicalise and rehabilitate repentant insurgents to live peaceful and productive lives despite resistance by citizens.