The Federal Government says over 35 military aircraft have been acquired and at least 13,500 terrorists neutralized under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, highlighting renewed efforts to tackle Nigeria’s persistent security challenges.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme aired on Wednesday.
He emphasized that the administration is showing unprecedented resolve in combating insecurity that has plagued the country for decades.
“This has been happening for decades. Government has a great responsibility to ensure that people’s lives and property are protected — that’s the first role of government,” he said.
According to Idris, President Tinubu has made significant investments in security, including the procurement of over 35 helicopters and airplanes, four naval vessels, and a large stock of ammunition.
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He also provided new figures on the government’s war on terror, saying 13,500 terrorists eliminated, 120,000 fighters have surrendered, and 17,000 people reunited with families.
Idris stressed that Tinubu is not detached from the country’s realities. “He knows what he is doing, and I can assure you that President Bola Tinubu is going to fix this,” he said. “Our hearts go out to those who lost their lives — it’s an unfortunate situation — but the President’s response has been swift and decisive.”
The minister also cited the need for regional collaboration, stating that “fighting insecurity must be holistic,” involving neighboring countries like Niger, Chad, and Cameroon.
His comments followed fresh attacks in Benue State, particularly in Yelwata, where over 59 lives were lost. Idris described President Tinubu’s visit to Benue as “unprecedented,” noting that the president personally visited victims in the hospital and held a town hall meeting.
During a high-level stakeholder meeting at the Benue Government House, President Tinubu issued a stern directive to security chiefs:
“Police, I hope your men are on alert to listen to information. How come no arrest has been made? I expect there should be an arrest of those criminals.”
He also charged intelligence agencies with improving surveillance.
“DG NIA, DG SSS, retool your information channels and let’s have tangible intelligence so that this will not occur again,” he said.
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To promote long-term peace, Tinubu announced a peace-building committee involving traditional leaders like the Tor Tiv V and Och’Idoma.
The Benue meeting was attended by key figures, including Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, SGF George Akume, service chiefs, lawmakers, and other North-Central governors. A public holiday was declared in the state to honour the President’s visit.