Muhammed Badaru, The minister of defence, says the federal government is committed to ending insurgency in the north-west region by the end of the year.
The minister, who spoke in Birnin Kudu, Jigawa state, over the weekend, said security in the north-west and north-central—particularly in Zamfara, Sokoto, Niger, Katsina, and Kaduna states—has improved due to ongoing coordinated military operations against banditry.
“The security situation has been improving in these regions as a result of our intensified fight against bandits and other criminal elements,” he said.Badaru reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to eradicating all forms of insurgency in the country before the year ends.
He noted that community leaders, civil society organisations, and residents of affected areas had acknowledged progress in the fight against terrorism and banditry.
“Even with this positive turn of events, we will continue to build on our achievements and ensure our armed forces get the necessary logistics support to end insurgency this year,” he added.He urged Nigerians to support security agencies by providing credible intelligence that could help track insurgents and their collaborators
The minister dismissed concerns about Nigeria’s alleged strained diplomatic relations with the Niger Republic, insisting that both countries remain close allies.“We have said it many times—Nigeria and Niger are like brothers.
We will never take any action, no matter how small, that will hurt Niger,” he said.“Those trying to incite tensions between us will not succeed.“We need the public’s support in fighting insecurity.
They should provide us with real information on the identities and locations of bandits, terrorists, and their supporters. We must all work together to end this menace.”
