The Federal Government has announced that over 35 aircraft have been acquired and at least 13,500 terrorists neutralised under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, as part of intensified efforts to address Nigeria’s security challenges.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this on Wednesday while speaking on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme.
Responding to concerns over rising insecurity, Idris said the crisis has long-standing roots, but President Tinubu’s administration is confronting it with unmatched urgency.
“This problem has persisted for decades, but President Tinubu is taking decisive action. Since assuming office, the government has procured over 35 helicopters and aircraft, four naval vessels, and a significant stockpile of ammunition to fight criminal elements,” Idris stated.
He further revealed that recent figures show over 13,500 terrorists have been eliminated, 120,000 have surrendered, and 17,000 people have been reunited with their families. Senior terrorist leaders, he added, have also been taken out in targeted operations.
President Fully Engaged
According to Idris, Tinubu remains fully engaged in security matters and frequently consults with ministers and advisers. “He is not a distant leader. He knows what’s going on and is working relentlessly to fix it.”
He also praised Tinubu’s swift responses, saying: “What’s different now is the President’s determined and rapid reaction. He doesn’t look away. His visit to Benue following the Yelwata killings—where he met victims and held a town hall—was unprecedented.”
‘Let’s Get Those Criminals’
During a high-level meeting in Makurdi on Wednesday, President Tinubu ordered security chiefs to intensify their crackdown on those behind the Benue attacks. He expressed frustration over the lack of arrests.
“Police, are your men on alert? Why has no one been arrested yet? We must find those criminals and bring them to justice,” Tinubu said.
Addressing the Chief of Defence Staff, the Air Marshal, and intelligence heads, Tinubu urged continued efforts and improved intelligence gathering. “DG NIA, DG SSS, retool your information networks. We must ensure this never happens again,” he added.
Peace Committee Formed
The President also announced the formation of a peace-building committee involving traditional rulers such as the Tor Tiv V and the Och’Idoma, with a mandate to work towards lasting harmony in Benue.
The meeting included key officials: Governor Hyacinth Alia, NSA Nuhu Ribadu, SGF George Akume, service chiefs, lawmakers, and North-Central governors. The state declared a public holiday to mark the President’s visit.