From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Federal Government has dismissed claims that terrorists are having upper hands in the ongoing counter terrorism war.
It said the Nigerian Armed Forces are capable and doing everything in their powers to rout the terrorists and other criminals in the shortest possible time.
Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, during a ministerial briefing in Abuja, also refuted remarks made by members of the House of Representatives, who had raised the alarm over the strength of terrorist factions following a recent attack on a military installation in Giwa, Borno State.
The lawmakers had described the incident as evidence that Boko Haram insurgents were better equipped than the Nigerian troops tasked with tackling them.
However, Badaru at the briefing dismissed the claims, saying that the challenge lies more in the insurgents’ irregular warfare tactics rather than military inferiority.
The minister,while noting that the current challenge was not lack of firepower ,but rather the unpredictable tactics used by terrorists, said often times, the terrorists were being aided by informants within local communities.
“Yesterday, the National Assembly and House of Representatives said that the terrorists have better weapons than us.
“That is absolutely not true. That is absolutely not true. We have much more sophisticated weapons and we have much more sophisticated drones.
“The issue is that this war is not a conventional war. It’s like a guerrilla war. They watch us, they have informants around us. They help the people that we try to protect. And they give them information. And they jump to us the way we don’t expect.
“And when they know that our surveillance mechanism is watching in some direction, because we cannot cover our own area. So that is it, because they don’t have more equipment than us. We have much more.We have much more sophisticated equipment. And that is one of the sources that I just mentioned. “
On the issue of drone usage by terrorist and other criminal groups, Badaru clarified that while such groups have deployed modified civilian drones, they are not using weaponized or military-grade variants.
“They’re not using armed drones with strategic guidance. We are doubling our intelligence efforts, both locally and internationally, to track and cut off supply sources.
“On the summit, yes, strategy is far more important than summit. But summit will give you some inputs for the strategy. When you hold a summit, you have people, they talk. We take what they expect, and we go back to design or renew our strategy.
“And then, the chief of Defence staff gives operational order based on the strategy they developed. So what the National Assembly is trying to do maybe is to bring people together to discuss issues. You hear a lot.
“I visited most of the past defense ministers. I visited most of the past service chiefs to discuss issues of security during their time and what we see today and how we do. And I’m sure the service chiefs also do the same.So the summit can help, but the strategy is much more important.”
Providing an update on domestic defence manufacturing, Badaru disclosed that DICON is gradually ramping up local production.
“Out of 53 companies operating within the complex, 10 have already begun producing military-grade hardwares, including drones, aircraft components, and protective gear. We are working to see if we can sustain a section in Ajaokuta that will support our efforts to make DICON more vibrant.
“Currently, with the support of the President, the Governor, and the Chief of Defence Staff, DICON— as many of you know,is hosting 53 companies. Most of them are at various stages of constructing their factories. About 10 of these companies have already commenced production, including the manufacturing of drones, aircraft components, personal computers, helmets, safety vests, and other equipment.
“So far, 10 have begun production, and we are targeting at least 20 companies to be operational by the end of the year. By next year, we aim to begin export.”