Increasing Insecurity: Federal Government Implements New Strategy Amid Renewed Attacks in Borno and Benue

The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced a comprehensive revamping of military strategies to combat the escalating insecurity in the country, deemphasizing the need for a security summit.

On Tuesday, the Senate decided to organize a two-day national security summit to discuss solutions to the alarming rise in violence and insecurity.

This decision followed a motion introduced by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, representing Ondo South, during the plenary session.

During a ministerial briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru raised concerns about the efficacy of the proposed summit, advocating instead for a renewed strategy.

He stated, “While a summit can provide valuable input, developing a robust strategy is far more critical. Summits facilitate discussions, allowing us to gather insights, which we can then use to refine our strategies.”

Badaru emphasized the importance of operational directives issued by the Chief of Defence Staff based on the refined strategies.

He acknowledged that the National Assembly’s intention to convene stakeholders is to engage in dialogue about security challenges.

Reflecting on past interactions with former defense ministers and service chiefs, Badaru noted that historical insights are crucial for addressing contemporary security issues.

He asserted, “The summit can be beneficial, but the priority must be on strategy.”

Addressing the claims that terrorists possess superior weaponry compared to the Nigerian military, Badaru firmly refuted this notion, asserting that the country’s armed forces are better equipped.

He remarked, “Contrary to statements made, our military has access to more sophisticated weapons and drones. This conflict is not conventional; it resembles guerrilla warfare, where insurgents utilize informants to gain an advantage, launching unexpected attacks.”

In terms of bolstering Nigeria’s military self-reliance, Badaru revealed that 10 out of the 53 companies under the Defence Industrial Complex have begun producing drones, aircraft components, helmets, and safety gear.

The Federal Government of Nigeria aims for at least 20 firms to be operational by the end of the year, with plans for exports to commence in 2026.

“We’re also working on revitalizing sectors of Ajaokuta Steel to support military hardware production,” he added.

These remarks come in light of recent deadly assaults in Borno and Benue, which resulted in the deaths of an Army captain and a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress.