Terror attacks: Tinubu approves fresh military hardware after security talks

 

President Bola Tinubu has approved the procurement of new equipment for the armed forces and other security agencies to enhance the fight against terrorism and banditry across the country, the Minister of Defence, Gen Christopher Musa (retd.), has disclosed.

Musa, who briefed State House correspondents after a nearly two-hour security meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Thursday, said the President remained committed to supporting security agencies in their operations against insurgents.

“The President has promised more equipment for us to be able to protect the nation, and we assure victory,” Musa stated.

However, he did not specify the type or quantity of equipment approved by the President.

Rather, he explained that the meeting, which was the first attended by the new Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, since his appointment, was convened to brief the President on the current security situation following recent attacks on military formations.

“The mission of the meeting actually is just for us to review events. We came in here for the services to brief Mr President on the current situation on the ground.

“You know that there have been a series of attacks, and the security forces have actually risen to the occasion,” he said.

He disclosed that the briefing was necessary to ensure the President had accurate information about ongoing operations, noting that media interpretations sometimes did not reflect the full picture.

“We know sometimes interpretation, especially through the media, has not been too direct.

“We felt we should put this record straight, which we have done, and we are glad that Mr President has continued to support the armed forces and other security agencies in the fight against insurgency,” Musa stated.

The Defence Minister appealed to Nigerians not to be discouraged by reports of attacks, assuring that terrorists and bandits were suffering more casualties than security forces.

“Our appeal to Nigerians is not to get tired, not to be discouraged, because sometimes when you hear the news, you think it is just what is happening, but it is not. It’s far from that.

“The terrorists, the bandits, are taking more casualties. Their commanders are being killed,” he said.

Musa acknowledged that Nigeria had lost courageous officers and men in recent operations, describing the casualties as “highly regrettable.”

The former Chief of Defence Staff said, “We have lost a number of very, very courageous officers and men. Highly regrettable, but we want to assure Nigerians of the commitment we are putting on the ground to ensure that Nigeria is safe and secure.”

In recent weeks, insurgents have intensified attacks on military positions in Borno State, including assaults on Ngoshe, Konduga, Marte, Jakana, and Mainok, resulting in casualties among security personnel and civilians.