The Federal Government says over 35 aircraft have been procured and at least 13,500 terrorists eliminated under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, as part of renewed efforts to tackle the nation’s security challenges.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed on Wednesday while speaking on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme.
Addressing concerns about whether the insecurity amounts to a failure of government, the minister noted that the security crisis has deep roots but is being approached with unprecedented resolve.
“This has been happening for decades. Government has a great responsibility to ensure that people’s lives and property are protected — that’s the first role of government,” he said.
“President Tinubu recognises that, and that’s why he feels pain. Look at the investment he has made in security since taking office: over 35 helicopters and airplanes have been procured, about four naval vessels, and large quantities of ammunition to fight criminal elements.”
Providing further figures, Idris revealed, “The latest statistics show that over 13,500 criminal elements have been eliminated. Their leaders have also been targeted and taken out. Around 120,000 of them have surrendered, and 17,000 people have been reunited with their families.”
The army said on November 15, 2021, that it had killed 50 ISWAP Terrorists In Borno.
‘Fully Aware Of Realities’
The information minister said the president is fully aware of the security realities in the country and is resolute in addressing them.
“President Tinubu is not the kind of president who does not see what happens around him. He sees, he knows, and discusses with all of us — his ministers and key advisers.
“He knows what he is doing, and I can assure you that President Bola Tinubu is going to fix this,” Idris said.
He added, “What is different is the President’s swift and committed response. Our hearts go out to those who lost their lives — it’s an unfortunate situation — but the response of Mr President, going with security chiefs and the full weight of this administration, has been decisive.”
Highlighting the complexity of the crisis, Idris noted, “Fighting insecurity must be holistic. We need to be on the same page with neighbouring countries — Niger, Chad, and Cameroon.”
The minister reiterated that while the challenges are significant, “real synergy” has been forged within the security architecture under Tinubu’s leadership.
The minister’s comment comes in the wake of renewed killings that have trailed Benue State in the last few days. Idris described Tinubu’s recent visit to Benue following the Yelwata attacks— where over 59 persons were killed — as “unprecedented”.
“The President didn’t just visit. He went to the hospital, spoke to the injured, and held a town hall meeting. That tells you how deeply he feels about this,” he said.
‘Let’s Get Those Criminals’
President Bola Tinubu in Benue State on Wednesday, June 18, 2025.
Meanwhile, during the high-level stakeholder meeting at the Benue State Government House, President Tinubu directed security chiefs to intensify operations.
“Police, I hope your men are on alert to listen to information. How come no arrest has been made? I expect there should be an arrest of those criminals,” he told them.
“Christopher (the Chief of Defence Staff), you have given much. I watch your comments, you can’t be tired of staying in the bush. Oloyede and the Air Marshal, we thank all of you, but we need to keep our ears to the ground, let’s get those criminals, let’s get them out.”
The President further instructed intelligence agencies to enhance surveillance and data gathering.
Tinubu said, “DG NIA, DG SSS, retool your information channels and let’s have tangible intelligence so that this will not occur again.”
He also announced the creation of a peace-building committee involving traditional leaders such as the Tor Tiv V and Och’Idoma, aimed at achieving lasting peace in the region.
The meeting was attended by top officials, including Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, SGF George Akume, service chiefs, lawmakers, and governors from the North-Central zone. The state had declared a public holiday in honour of the President’s visit.
