The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has dismissed claims suggesting that terrorist groups in Nigeria possess more firepower than the nation’s military forces.
Speaking during a ministerial briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, Badaru emphasized that the Nigerian Armed Forces are equipped with superior weapons and advanced technology, far beyond the capabilities of any terrorist organization operating in the country.
His remarks were in response to concerns raised by members of the House of Representatives on Tuesday, following a recent deadly attack on a military base in Giwa, Borno State.
Lawmakers had expressed alarm over what they perceived as the growing strength and tactical advantage of insurgent groups.
Addressing the issue, the minister explained that the conflict should not be viewed through the lens of conventional warfare.
“The issue is, this war is not a conventional war. It’s like a guerrilla war. They watch us, they have informants around us.
“They help the people that we try to protect, and they give them information, then they jump at us the way we don’t expect when they know that our surveillance mechanism is watching other directions.” He said.
Badaru also highlighted ongoing efforts to boost Nigeria’s military-industrial capacity, revealing that 10 out of 53 companies operating within a designated military production complex have already commenced the manufacturing of military-grade hardware.
These include drones, aircraft components, personal computers, helmets, and safety vests.
“Most of them are at various stages of constructing their factories.
“We are targeting at least 20 companies to be operational by the end of the year, and by next year, we aim to begin exporting.” He noted.
He further disclosed that the Ministry of Defence is exploring possibilities for reviving a section of the Ajaokuta Steel Complex to support the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), with a view to enhancing the nation’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
