The Federal Government has announced a major step towards local production of military equipment following the recent signing of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria Bill by President Bola Tinubu.
Minister of Defence Muhammad Badaru revealed that the government has been in discussions with approximately 50 local and international firms to initiate the domestic production of firearms, with 13 companies already commencing or on the verge of starting production in Nigeria.
Speaking at the Ministerial Sectorial Update in Abuja on Thursday, Badaru highlighted the significant progress made in the fight against terrorism over the past year under President Tinubu’s administration. He noted that the enhanced cooperation among the Service Chiefs has been a key factor in these achievements.
“With the help of the bill, Nigeria has been discussing with over 50 private companies, both within and abroad, the production of weapons and other military equipment,” Badaru stated. “In fact, 13 of them have already started production or are about to start production.”
In the past year, the military has reportedly neutralised 9,300 insurgents and arrested 7,000 others, achievements Badaru attributed to the improved synergy among the Service Chiefs and collaboration with other security agencies, including the office of the National Security Adviser, the police, and the NSCDC.
“The Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, the Chief of Naval Staff, and the Chief of Air Staff are working together as against what it used to be.
That has led to productivity and efficiency in their operations,” Badaru said. “This synergy has translated to tremendous progress. We were able to neutralize more than 9,300 bandits and insurgents; about 7,000 were arrested while we rescued 4,641 kidnapped victims in just one year.”
He also detailed the recovery of 4,882 assorted weapons and 83,900 assorted ammunition within the year and emphasized the significant blow dealt to the leadership of insurgent and terrorist groups, with not less than 20 bandit leaders eliminated.
In efforts to combat oil theft and boost production, Badaru reported the arrest of 1,437 suspects and the neutralization of 363 individuals involved in illegal activities in the Niger Delta region. “We have destroyed 3,051 dug pits, 1,276 boats, and 3,924 storage tanks, among others. Most of the illegal refineries are down. Many vessels have also been arrested,” he added.
The minister conveyed President Tinubu’s commitment to ending insecurity in Nigeria, noting the President’s persistent inquiries about the timeline for resolving these issues. Badaru assured that the combination of increased personnel, community support, and technological advancements would lead to further successes.
“The President has approved that we should recruit more so that we can have boots on the ground and also deploy technology heavily so that we can end the insurgency,” Badaru said. He also mentioned the deployment of new technology to preempt and respond to attacks more effectively.
Badaru concluded with a promise of continued efforts and improvements, stating, “We will continue to fight, we will continue to deliver, and I can assure you that the successes we have enjoyed in the last year will be replicated and even surpassed in the coming year.”
