The Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru, has stated that the Nigerian government is committed to eradicating insurgency in the north-west region by the end of the year.
Speaking in Birnin Kudu, Jigawa State, over the weekend, the minister highlighted improvements in security across the north-west and north-central regions—particularly in Zamfara, Sokoto, Niger, Katsina, and Kaduna States—due to ongoing coordinated military operations against banditry.
“The security situation in these areas has been improving as a result of our intensified efforts against bandits and other criminal elements,” he said.
Badaru reaffirmed the federal government’s determination to eliminate all forms of insurgency in the country before the year’s end.
He noted that community leaders, civil society organisations, and residents of affected areas had acknowledged the progress made in tackling terrorism and banditry.
“Even with this positive development, we will continue to build on our achievements and ensure our armed forces receive the necessary logistical support to end insurgency this year,” he added.
He urged Nigerians to support security agencies by providing credible intelligence to help track insurgents and their collaborators.
The minister also dismissed concerns about Nigeria’s alleged strained diplomatic relations with Niger, insisting that both nations remain close allies.
“We have said many times—Nigeria and Niger are like brothers. We will never take any action, no matter how small, that will harm Niger,” he said.
“Those attempting to incite tensions between us will not succeed.
“We need public support in fighting insecurity. People should provide us with genuine information about the identities and locations of bandits, terrorists, and their supporters. We must all work together to end this menace.”
