Anti-Terrorism War: Tinubu Approves New Military Equipment

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the purchase of additional military equipment and logistics to strengthen Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and banditry.

The approval followed a high-level security briefing at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

The development was revealed by the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd), after a meeting between the President and heads of security agencies to review the security situation across the country, particularly in the North-East.

Those present at the meeting, includes, the  National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas; and Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke.

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Others included the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Undiandeye; Director-General of the Department of State Services, Oluwatosin Ajayi; Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Mohammed Mohammed; and the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu.

Speaking with journalists after the meeting, Musa said the security chiefs briefed the President on developments in ongoing military operations, especially in Borno State, where attacks by insurgents have intensified in recent weeks.

“The meeting actually was for us to review events. We came here for the services to brief Mr. President on the current situation on the ground,” he said.

“You know that there have been a series of attacks, and the security forces have risen to the occasion. We came here to brief him so that he can have a better understanding of what is going on.”

According to the defence minister, the President approved additional equipment and other support measures to strengthen ongoing operations.

“Mr President has promised more equipment for us to be able to protect the country against the war, and we are sure of victory,” Musa said.

He explained that the recent escalation in attacks should be seen within the context of an ongoing conflict where insurgent groups sometimes intensify operations before government forces respond decisively.

“It’s war, and you know war comes in and out,” he said.

Musa also attributed some of the recent attacks to ideological motivations among extremist groups during the Ramadan period.

“During Ramadan, they feel that when they die, they are going to heaven, so they are ready to commit any offence or get killed because they believe there is a reward,” he said.

Despite the resurgence of attacks, the minister said Nigerian troops had adapted their strategies and were already making gains on the battlefield.

“We have adjusted our strategies. You can see in the past few days we have taken over those locations, we have killed their commanders, and we have taken over their assets,” he said.

He added that the coordinated efforts of the military and intelligence agencies were central to the renewed push against insecurity.

“We will continue to do more. Mr President has approved many things, and they are coming on stream. We are working together as a team,” Musa said.

The minister acknowledged that the armed forces had suffered casualties in the fight against insurgents but described the sacrifices of soldiers as part of the commitment to safeguarding the country.

“We have lost a number of very courageous officers and men. It is highly regrettable, but we want to assure Nigerians that the commitment we are putting on the ground is to ensure that Nigeria is safe and secure,” he said.

He also urged Nigerians not to lose confidence in the security agencies despite recent incidents.

“Our appeal to Nigerians is not to get tired or discouraged. All members of the security forces are here to assure Nigerians and Mr President that we are on track and we will succeed,” Musa said.

The minister further noted that the security chiefs used the meeting to clarify developments in the ongoing operations and address what he described as misleading interpretations circulating online.

“We know sometimes interpretations, especially through social media, have not been too direct. We felt we should put the record straight, which we have done,” he added.