Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has raised concerns about a renewed push by extremist groups to destabilize the entire Sahel region.
Speaking to journalists in Kaduna following a two-day tour of military facilities, he linked the resurgence of Boko Haram attacks in Borno State – Northeast Nigeria, to a broader regional campaign aimed at disrupting stability in West Africa.
The Defence Minister highlighted that this growing insecurity is not limited to Nigeria, but also affects Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso – countries already grappling with jihadist violence and political instability.
The minister’s remarks followed visits to the Nigerian Defence Academy, the Air Force Institute of Technology, and Buffalo Engineering Technical Services – key institutions involved in strengthening Nigeria’s defense capabilities. He emphasized that the federal government is actively reinforcing its military response, particularly in Nigeria’s North-East and North-Central regions, where insecurity has intensified in recent months.
He also stressed that resolving the farmers – herders crisis in Benue state would require community-focused, non-military solutions to complement security measures.
In addition to addressing security challenges, the Minister lauded Nigeria’s progress in military research and innovation and the tactics deployed to reduce assaults on military bases and improve security in some hotspots.
