Badaru dismisses terrorists’ superiority claims, affirms military edge
By Kunle Sanni
Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has dismissed suggestions that Nigeria’s armed forces are outmatched by terrorist groups, affirming the military’s superiority in weaponry and technology.
Speaking at a ministerial briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, Badaru responded to concerns raised by the House of Representatives following a recent deadly attack on a military base in Giwa, Borno State. Some lawmakers had suggested the attack indicated insurgents possess more advanced firepower.
“The Nigerian military has far better weapons, equipment, and technology than any terrorist group,” Badaru said. He attributed the insurgents’ effectiveness to guerrilla tactics and local informants rather than superior firepower.
“This is not a conventional war. They monitor our movements, embed within communities, and exploit intelligence to launch surprise attacks,” he explained.
Commenting on reports of terrorists using drones, Badaru clarified that they are commercial models modified for surveillance—not weaponized or military-grade.
He also outlined government efforts to strengthen intelligence operations and disrupt terrorist supply chains. “We are intensifying intelligence both within and outside Nigeria to trace and cut off their sources of supply,” he noted.
On local defence manufacturing, the minister highlighted progress at the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), where 10 companies are now producing military equipment, including drones, aircraft parts, and protective gear.
“By year-end, we aim to have at least 20 companies operational, with plans to begin exporting military equipment next year,” he added, revealing that discussions are ongoing to engage the Ajaokuta Steel Complex in military production.
