Nigeria’s Defence Ministry Highlights Progress, Calls for Deeper Regional Cooperation Amid Complex Security Landscape
As Nigeria continues to confront complex and evolving security threats, the Ministry of Defence has reiterated its commitment to strengthening national security through military modernization, regional collaboration, and strategic reforms.
The Minister of defence Abubakar Badaru During the 7th edition of the 2025 Ministerial Press briefing series released in Abuja, outlined significant progress made since May 2023, while emphasizing the need for a whole of government and whole of society approach to defeating asymmetric threats.
“Over the past two years, our ministry has made significant strides in enhancing national security, modernizing our defence capabilities, and promoting regional and international cooperation,” the statement read.
According to the Ministry, Nigeria’s role as Africa’s most populous nation and largest economy places it at the centre of regional stability. However, transnational threats such as terrorism, cybercrime, and organized crime continue to challenge security across the continent, particularly in the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin.
The report highlighted the growing security volatility in the Sahel region, describing it as a “hotspot for jihadist activities.” The emergence of the Alliance of Sahel States formed by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger following their exit from ECOWAS has reshaped the regional security landscape. While the formation represents a new axis of defence cooperation, analysts have expressed concern over potential destabilization.
“Nigeria has had to respond strategically,” the Ministry noted, “balancing regional diplomacy with reinforced border security. We have recalibrated our defence posture while remaining committed to multilateral platforms.”
In the Lake Chad Basin, where Nigeria shares borders with Niger, Chad, and Cameroon, the government acknowledged persistent threats from Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). However, recent operations have seen major gains.
“Our intensified collaboration with the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) has significantly weakened insurgent groups, reclaimed occupied territories, and neutralized high-value targets,” the Ministry said.
Advanced surveillance systems and expanded intelligence-sharing with international partners have also bolstered Nigeria’s cross-border response capabilities.
Internally, Nigeria faces layered challenges from insurgency in the Northeast, to banditry and kidnapping in the Northwest, and ethnic farmer herder clashes in the North-Central.
“These crises are not isolated nor simplistic,” the Ministry stated, adding that “they are rooted in socio political fractures, economic dislocation, porous borders, foreign insurgent influence, and a global terrorism matrix that evolves beyond traditional military logic.”
President Bola Tinubu’s administration, elected in 2023 on a mandate to restore security, has made notable strides in coordination and political will. His directive “Enough is enough”—was described as a strong signal of intent that has empowered the Ministry to act with renewed urgency.
Minister of Defence said part of its deliverables, the Ministry of Defence has focused on includes Empowering Special Operations Forces (SOF) battalions,Reducing reliance on foreign military equipment, Enhancing welfare for frontline personnel, Strengthening regional cooperation on border security, Expanding participation in multinational efforts, including the AU, ECOWAS, and MNJTF,Institutionalizing Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC), Protecting oil infrastructure and territorial waters, especially in the Gulf of Guinea
He added Modernizing administrative systems, including the Electronic Content Management System (ECMS) and Engaging citizens and stakeholders through regular public briefings.
“Our approach integrates both kinetic and non-kinetic efforts, reflecting an understanding that defeating insecurity requires more than just bullets and bombs,” the Ministry emphasized. “Stabilizing local economies, deradicalizing ideologies, rebuilding governance, and winning hearts and minds are all critical components.”
In reaffirming its mission, the Ministry noted that security cannot be achieved in isolation. It called for enhanced regional collaboration, citizen engagement, and whole-of-nation commitment.
“We have made progress, but the road ahead demands unity of purpose and strategic patience,” the statement concluded. “Under President Tinubu’s leadership, we remain focused on restoring peace and securing the future of Nigeria.”