Tinubu Determined to Crush Terrorism – Defence Minister

Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, says President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains unwavering in his commitment to ending terrorism and restoring lasting peace across Nigeria under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Speaking at the Northwest Security Summit in Kaduna, Badaru said the President directed him to reaffirm that national unity, security, and community resilience remain top priorities of the administration.

According to him, progress has been recorded in the fight against insecurity in the North-West, with key highways once occupied by bandits now reopened.

> “Movement on Kaduna–Kachia, Kaduna–Birnin Gwari, Jibia–Gurbin Baure and parts of the Sokoto–Illela corridor has improved significantly,” he stated.

He added that markets in Kaura Namoda, Shinkafi, Batsari, Giwa and Kajuru are active again, while displaced communities have returned home. Schools previously shut down have reopened under stronger security, and farmers have resumed agricultural activities with increased protection.

Lingering Threats, New Tactics

Despite gains, the minister acknowledged continued threats from bandits, terror cells and organised criminal groups, citing recent kidnappings in Kebbi, Niger and Kwara States as examples of evolving criminal operations.

He disclosed that victims abducted in Kwara and Kebbi have been freed, while many kidnapped in Niger State have successfully escaped.

Badaru attributed recent successes to improved synergy among security agencies, describing it as “unified action, not just cooperation,” and pointed to Operation FANSAN YAMMA as proof of joint operational strength.

He also highlighted new military deployments in the region, including:

National Mission Force Brigade, Samaru Kataf

18 Brigade Tactical HQ, Tegina

Expanded Forward Operating Bases


These, he said, are enhancing rapid response and deterrence.

Government Tackles Youth Vulnerability

Badaru warned that criminal groups are increasingly targeting young people for recruitment. He said the Federal Government is responding with programmes like the Nigeria Youth Investment Fund and the 3 Million Technical Talent Programme, noting that security must go hand-in-hand with development and diplomacy to reduce poverty and radicalisation.

He commended North-West governors for providing logistics and security support, adding that community-led responses have strengthened trust and resilience.

> “Together, we will deepen stability, rebuild confidence, and advance the Renewed Hope Agenda across the Northwest,” he said.

Governor Uba Sani: Security Now a Shared Responsibility

Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, represented at the summit, said the North-West remains a critical test of Nigeria’s capacity to safeguard its citizens. He noted that insecurity in the region has evolved from petty banditry into a sophisticated criminal network involving terrorism, mass abductions, illegal mining, gun-running, and trafficking.

Sani blamed porous borders with Niger Republic for aiding the movement of armed groups, illegal weapons, drugs and smuggled goods, stressing that security responses must match this growing complexity.

The event was attended by North-West governors, lawmakers, traditional rulers and other dignitaries.