Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has warned of an escalating threat posed by extremist groups seeking to destabilize the Sahel region. Speaking in Kaduna after a two-day inspection of military facilities, he said recent Boko Haram attacks in Borno State are part of a coordinated regional offensive impacting not only Nigeria but also Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.
Badaru visited the Nigerian Defence Academy, the Air Force Institute of Technology, and Buffalo Engineering Technical Services, highlighting efforts to enhance national defense infrastructure. He affirmed the federal government’s commitment to boosting military operations in the North-East and North-Central regions, where insurgent and communal violence has intensified.
The minister also acknowledged the complex nature of the farmer–herder conflict in Benue State, urging community-driven solutions alongside military action. Additionally, he praised advancements in military research and tactical improvements that have helped reduce attacks on security installations and bolster response capabilities in volatile areas.
