Rising Insecurity: FG Demands New Military Strategy as Attacks Hit Borno, Benue
By Solomon Odeniyi, John Charles, Isah Ojo, Maiharaji Altine, and Emmanuel Ande
8th May 2025
Amid escalating violence across the country, the Federal Government has called for a complete overhaul of military tactics, dismissing a proposed national security summit as inadequate in the face of Nigeria’s rising insecurity.
Speaking at a ministerial briefing in Abuja, Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, emphasized that strategy—not summits—holds the key to defeating terrorists, bandits, and insurgents.
“Strategy is far more important than summit,” Badaru stated, though he acknowledged that discussions at summits may offer useful input.
While the Senate plans a two-day security summit, prompted by a motion from Senator Jimoh Ibrahim (Ondo South), Badaru insisted that Nigeria’s security forces require tactical reforms, not just talk.
He refuted claims that terrorists wield superior weapons, asserting that the Nigerian Armed Forces possess more sophisticated arms and drones, though guerrilla warfare tactics continue to pose major challenges.
Fresh Violence: Army Captain, APC Chieftain Killed
Just hours after the defence minister’s briefing, reports emerged of fresh deadly attacks in Benue and Borno States.
In Benue, gunmen believed to be armed herders attacked communities in Gwer East LGA, killing four people, including APC chieftain Akaabo Johnson.
The attackers stormed Mbatsada communities around 4:35 p.m., firing indiscriminately. Local officials confirmed it was the second attack in two weeks.
In Borno, a Nigerian Army captain and a soldier were killed during a Boko Haram ambush at a military facility in Giwa. The attack occurred around 1:00 a.m., according to the Emir of Gwoza, Alhaji Mohammed Shehu Timta.
“The terrorists attacked Izge community, but troops, vigilantes, and civilian JTF fought back and killed three insurgents,” the Emir said.
Military Progress and New Industrial Push
Despite the ongoing violence, Badaru highlighted the successes of military operations from May 2023 to February 2025:
- 13,543 terrorists neutralized
- 17,469 criminals arrested
- 9,821 hostages rescued
- 124,408 Boko Haram/ISWAP members surrendered
He also revealed that 10 out of 53 companies under the Defence Industrial Complex have begun producing drones, aircraft parts, helmets, and vests, with plans for exportation in 2026. Revival efforts for Ajaokuta Steel to support hardware production are also ongoing.
Zamfara Insecurity: Matawalle Faces Resignation Calls
Meanwhile, Bello Bakyasuwa, a retired military officer and former APC security aide, called for the resignation of Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, over his alleged failure to curb insecurity in Zamfara and Northwest Nigeria.
Bakyasuwa condemned the minister for inaction following the killing of the Chief Imam of Maru town and his two children after months in captivity.
“Matawalle has brought no value to Zamfara or Nigeria. He must resign,” Bakyasuwa said.
In response, Ibrahim Danmaliki, Special Adviser to Matawalle, described the allegations as baseless and politically driven, blaming Governor Dauda Lawal, the state’s chief security officer, for failing to act quickly.
Education Crisis Fuelling Insecurity, Says Adamawa Commissioner
In a related development, Adamawa’s Commissioner for Higher Education, Dr. Umar Pella, warned that Nigeria’s chronic underfunding of education is a root cause of insecurity.
“Resources meant for development are now used to fight insecurity. A better-funded education system can reduce recruitment into violent groups,” he said during a UNICEF-sponsored media forum in Yola.
