Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar has highlighted the connection between the recent resurgence of Boko Haram attacks in Borno State and the broader instability affecting the Sahel region. Countries such as Nigeria, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger are increasingly threatened by the extremist group’s ambitions to destabilise the area.
Speaking to journalists in Kaduna on Tuesday, following a two-day visit to key military facilities in the state, Badaru stated, “There is a renewed vigour by the insurgents to destabilise the Sahel.” The Defence Minister pointed out that the insurgency, which has notably targeted Nigeria’s North-East, reflects broader security challenges across the region.
In his assessment, the Defence Minister assured that the Federal Government has been proactive in addressing the rising threats, especially in the volatile North-East and North-Central regions. He cited significant efforts by the armed forces to counteract Boko Haram activities. “In the past week or two, the armed forces have gained momentum—attacking and eliminating them. The serial attacks on soldiers’ camps have been reduced to the barest minimum,” Badaru remarked.
Despite the ongoing threat, the Minister emphasized the progress made by the Nigerian military, and pledged that the government would continue working tirelessly to restore peace in affected regions. Badaru further noted that while the security forces have made strides in tackling banditry in the North-West, violence in other parts of the country continues to present challenges.
On the ongoing crisis in Benue State, which has escalated due to farmer-herder clashes, Badaru stated that the situation required a more nuanced, non-kinetic approach. “We are working on resolving these conflicts by engaging communities and ensuring herders remain within designated grazing areas,” he said.
Addressing the broader security landscape, the Defence Minister acknowledged that Boko Haram’s resurgence in Borno State is in line with the intensifying instability across the Sahel. “If you are following developments in Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali, you’ll see that attacks have intensified across the region,” he said. The Minister, however, reassured Nigerians that the military would not relent in their efforts to neutralise the insurgency. “The troops are doing wonderfully well. It’s a new threat, and we are tackling it. We will overcome it, and normalcy will return—by the special grace of God and your prayers,” he added.
Furthermore, Badaru lauded the joint military and civilian efforts, particularly in Kaduna State, where peace has been restored in Birnin Gwari and surrounding areas. “Markets have reopened, and traffic is now flowing in and out of the local government area unhindered,” he said.
Badaru also praised Nigeria’s military institutions for their progress in research and development (R&D), highlighting the ongoing efforts to achieve self-sufficiency in locally manufactured military equipment. “The institutions are doing a very good job. They are following the President’s directive for deep research so that we’ll eventually become self-sufficient in our military requirements—including platforms and equipment needed for our armed forces,” he noted. One such success story includes the repair and maintenance of Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, a key milestone in Nigeria’s military self-sufficiency goals.
On the importance of military training, Badaru reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening officer education at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA). “Training is critical to any development, especially within the armed forces. We will continue to support the Nigerian Defence Academy to ensure the cadets are well-trained and emerge as highly capable and committed officers,” he stated.
As Nigeria grapples with an evolving security environment, Badaru’s assurances reflect the government’s continued commitment to addressing insurgency and fostering peace through both military and community-driven efforts.