Tinubu orders military to secure every inch of Nigeria, boosts defence capabilities
President Bola Tinubu has directed the Nigerian military to ensure the security of every part of the country, while making substantial investments to modernise the nation’s defence and intelligence apparatus.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, announced on Wednesday.
Addressing journalists at a briefing in Abuja, Malagi emphasised that the President’s instructions to the armed forces were clear and uncompromising.
“The President’s directive is unequivocal. Every inch of Nigerian territory must be secured, and every citizen must live free of fear wherever they are in this country,” he said.
The minister highlighted that the recent restructuring of the military command reflects President Tinubu’s determination to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.
“The changes in service chiefs and the subsequent realignment within the armed forces and other security agencies demonstrate the President’s commitment to revitalizing our national security framework,” Malagi noted.
He revealed that the federal government has invested millions of dollars in modern equipment for security agencies and increased the defence budget to enhance operational efficiency.
According to the minister, these efforts are already yielding tangible results. Citing the Global Terrorism Index report from March, he said terrorist attacks in Nigeria have fallen to their lowest levels in over a decade.
Malagi provided an update on counter-terrorism operations, reporting that over the past eight months, Nigerian forces have neutralised more than 592 terrorists in Borno State alone, freed over 11,200 hostages, and secured the surrender of 124 insurgents and their families.
He said security gains extended beyond the northeast. “In the southeastern region, terror incidents have dropped by nearly 80 percent over the past two years, thanks to coordinated efforts by our security agencies.
“In North Central Nigeria, numerous criminal elements have been neutralized, and arrests have been made, though we continue to bolster security there as new threats emerge, ” he said.
The minister also marked the recent arrests of two high-profile terrorism suspects, Mahmoud Mohamed Ousmane and Abubakar Abba, leaders of the al-Qaeda affiliate Ansarul, as significant milestones in the country’s fight against insurgency.
“These arrests represent a turning point in our ongoing counter-terrorism operations,” Malagi said, stressing that the government remains committed to holding perpetrators accountable under the rule of law.
Highlighting international collaboration, the minister confirmed ongoing security partnerships with the United States and other allies.
He disclosed that Nigeria is acquiring advanced military hardware, including supply-to-cannon aircraft and a dozen AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters for the Air Force, which he described as critical tools in the anti-insurgency campaign.
Malagi reaffirmed President Tinubu’s commitment to national security, economic growth, and good governance.
“The President’s administration remains steadfast in securing our nation and its people.
”Under his leadership, Nigeria is in capable and steady hands, with efforts underway to strengthen our military, enhance intelligence capabilities, and guide the country toward shared prosperity,” he said.
