Nigeria is on a clear trajectory to defeat insecurity by the end of 2025, according to the country’s Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru. The assurance was given during an interview conducted as part of a documentary marking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second year in office.
Badaru stated that President Tinubu had issued an unambiguous directive to eliminate insecurity swiftly and effectively before 2025 concludes. The Minister expressed confidence that the country is progressing well towards achieving this goal.
He attributed this advancement largely to ongoing military campaigns such as Operation Fasan Yama, noting their tangible impact on security across various regions. “For the first time in years, Nigerians can travel the Birnin Gwari to Kaduna road even at midnight. That’s progress Zaria to Funtua to Gusau is now peaceful, and Abuja-Kaduna road has been largely secured,“ Badaru said.
He shared significant statistics to illustrate recent achievements by the armed forces. So far, 13,543 terrorists and bandits have been neutralised, 17,500 suspects apprehended, 9,821 hostages rescued, and 24,000 terrorists have surrendered. “These aren’t just numbers. These are lives saved, villages reclaimed, and communities restored,” he noted.
Badaru pointed to notable improvements in the Northeast and Northwest, where displaced communities are beginning to return to normal life. “Markets are back. Farms are productive again. We’ve seen Fulani, Hausa, and other communities rebuilding trust,” he stated. He emphasised that these are not isolated incidents, but signs of genuine progress and recovery.
In addition to security operations, President Tinubu’s administration has taken steps to boost the welfare of military personnel. According to Presidential Spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, the President approved ₦18 billion to settle outstanding insurance arrears and enhance troop benefits. “We’ve doubled troop ration allowances from ₦1,500 to ₦3,000. Life insurance now covers all soldiers, and I’ve personally visited frontline bases to hear their concerns and boost morale,” Badaru added.
On modernising the military, the Minister revealed that no request for equipment has been denied under President Tinubu’s leadership. The armed forces have acquired advanced military hardware, including attack helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), mine-resistant ambush protected vehicles (MRAPs), and armoured personnel carriers (APCs). He also praised the passage of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Bill, describing it as transformative. “We’ve signed over 100 local and international defence partnerships. We’re producing ammunition here. Two MRAPs assembled locally are parked outside this office. This is the beginning of true defence independence.”
Badaru also reported a decline in oil-related crimes in the South-South, with crude oil production increasing from 1.4 million to nearly 1.8 million barrels per day. “We’ve arrested six ships, destroyed 2,000 illegal refineries, and dismantled over 5,000 crude oil storage pits,” he disclosed.
He reaffirmed President Tinubu’s dedication to rebuilding national security infrastructure and maintaining momentum towards the 2025 target. “This President is not making empty promises. He’s building the institutions, the morale, the partnerships, and the firepower to secure Nigeria. We are not relenting. The goal is total victory over insecurity by the end of 2025, and we are on track.”
Calling for public unity and patience, Badaru concluded by urging Nigerians to remain hopeful. “Change doesn’t happen overnight, but we’re laying a solid foundation. Neutral observers will tell you that we’ve made real progress. The President’s commitment is unwavering.”