The Minister of Defense, Muhammed Badaru Abubakar, has stated that security in Northwest and North Central Nigeria has significantly improved, attributing the progress to ongoing coordinated military operations against banditry and insurgency.
Speaking to journalists in Birnin Kudu, Jigawa State, the minister highlighted notable improvements in Zamfara, Sokoto, Niger, Katsina, and Kaduna states, where communities are gradually recovering from past security challenges.
Badaru reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to eradicating terrorism and banditry by the end of the year.
“Public comments from opinion leaders, civil society organizations (CSOs), and residents of affected areas confirm that banditry and terrorism have declined,” he said.
He assured that despite these positive developments, security forces would remain relentless in consolidating their achievements.
“We will continue to build on our successes and equip our armed forces with the necessary logistical support to end insurgency this year,” he added.
On the diplomatic ties between Nigeria and Niger Republic, the minister dismissed any notion of hostility, emphasizing the deep historical and cultural connections between both nations.
“Nigeria and Niger are like brothers. We will not take any action, however small, that could harm Niger Republic. Those attempting to sow division between our nations will not succeed,” he stated.
The minister urged Nigerians to support security agencies by providing credible intelligence to aid the fight against insurgents and their collaborators.
“We need the public to stand with security agencies by sharing accurate and useful information on the identities and locations of bandits, terrorists, and their supporters,” he said.
The federal government remains optimistic that with sustained military action and public cooperation, peace and stability will be fully restored across the affected regions.
