President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has authorised the acquisition of additional combat equipment for the Nigerian Armed Forces following renewed insurgent assaults on military formations in the North-East, ENigeria Newspaper learnt.
Disclosed by Defence Minister Christopher Musa, the directive emerged after a high-level strategy meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where security chiefs briefed the president on recent operational setbacks and progress in counter-terrorism campaigns. The minister said the approval forms part of broader efforts to reinforce troops confronting insurgent groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Defence Minister Christopher Musa said the president’s decision was aimed at strengthening the operational capacity of the Nigerian Armed Forces as they intensify efforts to contain terrorism and other security threats. The session provided the military leadership with an opportunity to present a detailed account of developments on the battlefield, including recent encounters with insurgents and progress recorded by troops in different theatres of operation.
Although there have been attacks in recent weeks, Musa recognized that security forces have persisted in retaliating against militant organizations, removing some of their operational assets and killing several commanders.
He also offered his sympathies for the soldiers who had died while performing their duties, but he insisted that the military is still committed to fighting terrorist organizations until they are eliminated. Insurgent groups frequently try to intensify attacks during Ramadan, the defense chief continued, but the military has modified its operational strategy to resist such methods.
ENigeria Newspaper also found out that for the first time, Tunji Disu, the recently appointed Inspector-General of Police, joined other security officials for a strategic briefing with the president during the nearly two-hour meeting.
Concerns about the safety of communities and military personnel have increased due to recent violence in parts of the Northeast, which has been linked to organizations like Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province. In recent weeks, there have been numerous reports of attacks on military posts in places including Ngoshe, Konduga, Marte, Jakana, and Mainok.
