Nigeria winning war against insecurity – Defence Minister Badaru
By Kunle Sanni
Nigeria is making meaningful strides in its fight against insecurity, according to the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar.
In a revealing interview featured in an upcoming State House documentary marking President Bola Tinubu’s second anniversary in office, the minister stated that the tide is turning in the country’s favour.
“For the first time in years, Nigerians can travel the Birnin Gwari to Kaduna road even at midnight. That’s progress,” Badaru said, citing improved security along major routes such as Zaria–Funtua–Gusau and the once notorious Abuja–Kaduna highway.
The Defence Minister credited recent successes to President Tinubu’s firm directive: “End insecurity decisively and do it fast before the end of 2025.” He said coordinated military operations, including Operation Fage Ka Yaki, have significantly contributed to stabilising key regions.
According to Badaru, security agencies have recorded major achievements: over 13,500 terrorists and bandits neutralised, more than 17,000 arrests made, nearly 10,000 hostages rescued, and 24,000 insurgents surrendered.
“These aren’t just numbers. These are lives saved, villages reclaimed, and communities restored,” the minister emphasised.
He noted that normalcy is gradually returning to the Northeast and Northwest, with markets reopening and farmlands becoming productive again. “We’ve seen Fulani, Hausa, and other communities rebuilding trust. The progress is real and visible,” he said.
To boost morale and welfare in the armed forces, President Tinubu has approved ₦18 billion to settle insurance arrears for military personnel. Troop ration allowances have been doubled from ₦1,500 to ₦3,000, and life insurance coverage now extends to all soldiers. Badaru added that he has personally visited frontline bases to assess conditions and engage with troops.
On military modernisation, the minister said the armed forces are now better equipped than ever before. “We now have attack helicopters, UAVs, MRAPs, APCs, and top-tier weaponry. President Tinubu has not turned down a single request for equipment,” he said.
