The federal government has refuted claims made by members of the House of Representatives that Boko Haram insurgents are better armed than the Nigerian military.
Speaking during a ministerial briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, Minister of Defence Mohammed Badaru said:
“Yesterday (Tuesday), the House of Representatives said terrorists have better weapons than us. That is absolutely not true. We have much more sophisticated weapons, and we have much more sophisticated drones.”
He added, “The issue is, this war is not a conventional war—it’s like a guerrilla war. They watch us; they have informants around us. The people we are trying to protect sometimes help them, and they strike in unpredictable ways.”
Badaru emphasized that Nigeria’s armed forces are superior in terms of equipment, noting:
“They’re not using armed drones with strategic guidance. What they’ve used are civilian-grade drones with improvised explosives, which haven’t been very successful.”
He downplayed the importance of a proposed Senate security summit, stating:
“Strategy is far more important than a summit. Yes, summits can offer input, but what matters most is a well-designed strategy. The Chief of Defence Staff will then act based on that strategy.”
Badaru also updated on domestic defence production efforts, revealing that “About 10 of 53 companies involved in the Defence Industrial Complex (DICON) have begun production of drones, aircraft parts, helmets, safety vests, and other equipment. We hope to have at least 20 fully operational by year’s end and aim to begin exporting by next year.”
FG Adopts New Anti-Terrorism Strategy—NSA Ribadu
Meanwhile, National Security Adviser (NSA) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu announced a new federal strategy to combat terrorism and insecurity nationwide.
Speaking through the Director-General of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), DIG Johnson Babatunde Kokumo (retd), Ribadu said during the commissioning of the NCCSALW North-Central Zonal Office in Minna:
“The renewed step is about reinforcing our dedication to eradicating sources and channels through which these dangerous weapons find their way into the hands of criminals.”
He emphasized the dangers of arms proliferation:
“Illicit small arms and light weapons fuel banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, pipeline vandalism, armed robbery, and communal clashes. This undermines peace and stability across Nigeria.”
Governor Muhammed Bago, who inaugurated the building, described the move as “a milestone achievement under President Bola Tinubu’s administration”, pledging support for establishing NCCSALW offices in all North-Central states.
Government Urges Media to Deny Publicity to Terrorists
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, urged media outlets to act responsibly by denying terrorists the publicity they crave.
Speaking at the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing Series in Abuja, he said:
“The media, as gatekeepers and partners in nation-building, have a crucial role to play in supporting our military’s morale by highlighting their successes and sacrifices.”
He warned against glorifying criminals:
“We must deny these groups the undue publicity they crave… These are not freedom fighters; they are murderers, kidnappers, and destroyers, and they must be presented as such.”
He encouraged responsible journalism, saying:
“Avoid sensational headlines and refuse to serve as amplifiers of terror propaganda.”
Equip Local Volunteers to Fight Boko Haram — Sen. Ndume
Following a Boko Haram attack that claimed the lives of a military captain and a soldier in Izge, Borno State, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South) called for the immediate arming of local security volunteers.
Ndume said:
“I want to use this medium to call on the federal government and the military authorities to provide arms and ammunition to our resilient local hunters, vigilantes and Civilian Joint Task Force members.”
He continued,
“This is not the first time Izge was attacked. The last incident also led to the death of a captain. If our local volunteers were equipped with sophisticated weapons, these losses could have been averted.”
Commending the community’s resistance, Ndume added:
“Izge villagers repelled the attack, killed three insurgents, and recovered arms. Their courage must be matched with government support.”
Police Recover 500 Rounds of Ammunition in Jos Raid
In a separate development, the Plateau State Police Command announced the recovery of a large cache of ammunition in Jos North LGA.
Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Adesina, said:
“On May 4, 2025, at approximately 9:40 p.m., our operatives raided a criminal hideout based on credible intelligence. An abandoned ash-coloured Golf Waggon was discovered containing 500 rounds of 7.65mm ammunition.”
He linked the find to a homicide case from the previous day:
“A case of culpable homicide had been reported on May 3, where an unidentified individual was killed. This recovery emerged from that investigation.”
Adesina appealed to residents:
“We urge citizens to provide relevant information that could aid the investigation. We remain committed to protecting lives and maintaining order.”
