From Molly Kilete, Abuja
Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru has announced that military operations from February 2023 to May 2025 resulted in the neutralisation of 13,543 terrorists and criminals, the arrest of 17,469 suspects, and the rescue of 9,821 kidnapped hostages.
Speaking at the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing in Abuja, Badaru noted that 124,408 Boko Haram and ISWAP combatants and their families surrendered across various operational theatres. The operations also recovered 11,118 weapons and 252,596 assorted ammunitions.
Badaru noted the success of coordinated efforts, particularly in the Northeast, stating, “These strategies have proven instrumental in dismantling terrorist networks and reclaiming areas once under insurgent control, allowing the return of thousands of displaced citizens to their homes.” He credited improved intelligence-sharing and surveillance, especially in the Lake Chad region, supported by international partnerships and advanced monitoring systems, for enabling precise military responses. Key terrorist leaders, including Damina, Kachanda, and Ali Kawaji, were neutralised.
Despite progress, Badaru acknowledged ongoing challenges, stating, “Remnants of Boko Haram continue to carry out sporadic drone attacks in the northeast, while banditry and kidnappings persist in the northwest. Additionally, rising ethnic tensions in the north-central region, fuelled by resource competition and climate change, continue to complicate the security landscape.” He emphasised that military action alone is insufficient, as security issues are tied to socio-economic and political factors like poverty, unemployment, and governance deficits.
Badaru advocated a “whole-of-nation” approach, involving civil society and international partners to address root causes. The Ministry of Defence has introduced reforms, including expanding Special Operations Forces, enhancing self-reliance through a new policy framework, revising military doctrines, and establishing a Joint Warfare Centre to improve operational efficiency and inter-agency collaboration.
The minister affirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to security, stating that the administration is implementing comprehensive defence reforms. He concluded, “History teaches us that defeating terrorism requires more than just military might; it demands vision, leadership, and unity,” urging collective action for lasting peace and stability.