…As Tinubu approves more equipment for military
Security Chiefs have briefed President Bola Tinubu on the ongoing fight against terrorism and banditry across the country, as the Federal Government moves to strengthen military operations following a recent surge in attacks in the North-East.
The closed-door meeting, held on Thursday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, was attended by top security officials led by the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, alongside the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribaɗu, the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, and Heads of the armed forces and intelligence agencies.
Speaking with State House correspondents after the meeting, Musa said the Security Chiefs briefed the President on the current situation on the ground, and provided updates on military operations against insurgents and bandits across the country.
According to him, the President approved additional military equipment to support ongoing operations and enhance the armed forces’ capacity to tackle insecurity. “The meeting was for the services to brief Mr. President on the current situation on the ground”, Musa stated, noting that despite recent attacks by terrorists, the military continues to record significant successes against insurgents.
He urged Nigerians not to lose confidence in the armed forces, stressing that terrorists and bandits are suffering heavier losses even though isolated attacks on troops often dominate media reports. “Our appeal to Nigerians is not to get tired or discouraged. When you hear some of the news, it may appear as if that is the only thing happening, but it is far from that”, he said.
The Defence Minister disclosed that insurgents linked to Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) had recently launched attacks on several military formations in Borno State and Yobe State, resulting in casualties among troops, including senior officers.
He also confirmed reports that more than 100 women and children were abducted during an attack on Ngoshe community in Gwoza local government area of Borno State, where terrorists allegedly overran a military base belonging to the 82 Division Task Force Battalion before storming the community and an Internally-Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp.
Despite the attacks, Musa maintained that the military had inflicted heavy losses on the insurgents, neutralising several commanders and reclaiming strategic locations previously threatened by the terrorists. He explained that insurgent groups often intensify attacks during the Ramadan period, as they believe dying in battle guarantees spiritual rewards, but assured that the military had adjusted its strategies to counter the trend. “It’s war; and war has its ups and downs, but the terrorists and bandits are taking more casualties. Their commanders are being killed and their assets destroyed”, he stated.
The Minister further commended President Tinubu for continued support to the armed forces, particularly in providing arms, ammunition and logistics needed for operations in various theatres across the country. “We have adjusted our strategies. In the past few days we have taken back those locations, killed their commanders and seized their assets. Mr. President has approved many things and more equipment is coming”, he added.
Musa expressed confidence that with the renewed support and coordinated efforts among security agencies, the armed forces would ultimately defeat the insurgents and restore lasting peace across affected regions.
