FG tackles Boko Haram resurgence in North-East – Defence minister Badaru

Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has acknowledged a recent resurgence in Boko Haram activities, particularly in Borno State within Nigeria’s North-East, linking it to a broader insurgent agenda aimed at destabilizing the wider Sahel region, including Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger Republic.

During an inspection tour of military institutions in Kaduna State, Badaru reassured the public that the Federal Government is actively confronting this renewed threat.

He highlighted recent military operations that have gained significant momentum, leading to the elimination of numerous insurgents.

“There’s a renewed effort by terrorists across the Sahel, but we are taking strong action and will restore peace by God’s grace and with continued public support,” he stated.

The Minister, whose tour included facilities at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) and the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), underscored the necessity of employing both military (kinetic) and non-military (non-kinetic) strategies to effectively address insecurity across the various regions of the country.

He noted that while robust force is required to combat Boko Haram and banditry in the North, communal clashes, such as those in Benue, necessitate dialogue and reconciliation.

Badaru expressed satisfaction with the ongoing research and innovation within local military institutions, commending their efforts to develop homegrown solutions, including armored vehicles and drones.

He affirmed that these initiatives are crucial for Nigeria to achieve self-sufficiency in military equipment.

The Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Maj. Gen. Abdul-Khalifa Ibrahim, extended gratitude to the Federal Government for its consistent support and ongoing infrastructure upgrades.