Tinubu, Badaru and the deadly blow on insecurity 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has made significant strides in combating insecurity. Several factors have contributed to his administration’s success in transforming the country’s security landscape.

The modernisation of the country’s fighting forces has been a crucial aspect of Tinubu’s security strategy. It has enhanced the military’s capabilities, allowing them to launch more effective operations against insurgents. The results are evident, with over 300 Boko Haram and bandit commanders eliminated within the first year of his administration.

Tinubu’s leadership has also boosted the motivation and morale of security personnel. The president has acknowledged the sacrifices made by the security forces and expressed his commitment to supporting them. This has contributed to the improved performance of the security agencies, who now feel valued and appreciated.

Adopting a non-kinetic approach to addressing insecurity, using non-military means, such as dialogue and community engagement, the Tinubu administration is addressing the root causes of insecurity. The North-west Peace and Security Summit, organised by the North-west Governors’ Forum, is an example of this approach. The summit aimed to promote peace and security in the region through dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders.

Unlike in the past, when the NSA, service chiefs, and their men often worked at cross-purposes, creating a chaotic and dysfunctional security environment, the current team is working together seamlessly. This newfound synergy is driven by a shared sense of purpose, respect for the commander-in-chief, and a deep commitment to the nation’s security.

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has been a key player in fostering this collaboration. His wealth of experience, reputation for integrity, and ability to build bridges across different security agencies have earned him the respect of the service chiefs. This has enabled him to facilitate a smooth working relationship among the different security agencies, ensuring that they work together towards a common goal.

The service chiefs, in turn, have demonstrated a high level of professionalism, discipline, and loyalty to the commander-in-chief and the nation. They have worked tirelessly to reposition their respective services, injecting new life and energy into the security sector. Their efforts have started to yield positive results, with a noticeable improvement in the security situation across the country.

President Tinubu’s leadership style has also played a significant role in fostering this synergy. His ability to inspire confidence, build trust, and empower his team members has created an enabling environment for the service chiefs to thrive. He has also demonstrated a willingness to listen, learn, and adapt, which has helped to build a sense of ownership and collective responsibility among the security agencies.

The impact of this synergy is already being felt across the country. The security agencies are now working together more effectively, sharing intelligence, coordinating their efforts, and supporting each other in their respective operations. This has led to a significant improvement in the security situation, with a reduction in the incidence of terrorism, banditry, and other forms of criminality.

Under Badaru, the Nigerian Air Force has been bolstering its arsenal to combat insecurity across the nation. Recently, they took delivery of six A-29 Super Tucano aircraft from the US, which arrived in Kano state. These fighter jets are part of a larger fleet of 48 aircraft, including attack jets and helicopters, set to enhance the Air Force’s capabilities in policing the country’s vast territories and decimating criminal elements.

The Nigerian Air Force has also been working to enhance its operational capabilities, with the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, highlighting the need for proactive efforts to meet the federal government and the citizens’ expectations for a peaceful, safe, and secure nation. The Air Force has been re-strategizing and adopting new air power measures to enhance gains against identified threats, with modest yet significant progress in various operational areas.

As a former governor, Badaru is aware that cooperation from local communities is crucial to effectively utilize the Nigerian Air Force’s airpower assets. Nigerians residing in areas plagued by insecurity are urged to collaborate with security agencies, sharing vital information and supporting military efforts to restore peace and stability to their regions. By working together, Nigerians can help create a safer, more secure environment for all.

As Tinubu continues to work towards addressing the security challenges facing the country, it is likely that these efforts will yield even more positive results. The President’s commitment to security and his willingness to think outside the box have been key factors in his success so far. With the continued support of the security agencies and the Nigerian people, Tinubu is poised to make even greater strides in the fight against insecurity.

Even the opposition elements who once criticised President Tinubu for appointing a civilian as minister of defence are now hiding their heads in shame. It’s understandable that they might be feeling a bit embarrassed by the progress being made. However, rather than burying their heads in shame, they could as well use this opportunity to reflect on their own strategies and consider how they can contribute to the country’s progress in a more constructive manner.

Under Badaru, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has been bolstering its arsenal to combat insecurity across the nation. Additional 12 fighter jets are part of a larger fleet of 48 aircraft, including attack jets and helicopters, set to enhance the Air Force’s capabilities in policing the country’s vast territories and decimating criminal elements.

The Nigerian Air Force has also been working to enhance its operational capabilities through the training of its personnel. The Chief of Air Staff has emphasized the importance of training in ensuring that the Air Force is equipped to meet the challenges of modern warfare. The Air Force has been conducting a range of training exercises, including flight training, combat training, and logistics training.

Intelligence gathering is also being conducted through various means, including surveillance, informants, and monitoring of communication networks. The agencies are also using advanced technology, such as drones and CCTV cameras, to gather intelligence and monitor the movement of arms and criminals.

Another strategy employed by the military is border patrols. They are conducting regular patrols along Nigeria’s borders to prevent the smuggling of arms and criminals. These patrols are done in collaboration with other security agencies, such as customs and immigration, to ensure that all entry and exit points are closely monitored.

In addition to border patrols, security agencies are also establishing checkpoints along major highways to intercept and search vehicles suspected of carrying arms or harboring criminals. These checkpoints are strategically located to cover all major routes and are manned by well-trained personnel who are equipped to handle any situation.

The use of technology is also a key strategy employed by security agencies. They are leveraging technology, such as biometric identification and digital forensics, to track and apprehend criminals. This technology is also being used to monitor the movement of arms and criminals, and to identify and disrupt arms smuggling networks.

The Nigerian Air Force is also providing critical support to ground troops through aerial surveillance and reconnaissance missions. This airpower is enabling security agencies to respond quickly and effectively to emerging threats. Joint operations are being conducted by security agencies to target and apprehend high-profile criminals and disrupt arms smuggling networks. 

Also, the Nigerian Navy under Badaru is also making significant inroads into the dens of of crude oil thieves. With new sophisticated ships and technological equipment the Navy has been able to secure the Nigerian sea, leading to rapid reduction in oil theft, piracy, and other marine crimes. The Defence Industries Corporation (DIC), Nigeria’s state-run defense corporation operated by the Nigerian Armed Forces, is now functional. Nigeria now boasts of an armoured tank factory and others responsible for the production of defence equipment.

During last year’s all African Ministers of Defence conference held in Ghana, which I was opportuned to attend, the paper presented by Nigerian minister of defence, Badaru, was quite unique and rich in content on how to fix a country’s security apparatus. The paper was unanimously adopted because it contained rich information about how to the fortify the military and other security agencies in a democratic setting in Africa as well as why labelling of the military as corrupt has reduced abysmally in the country.

All these are made possible by the experience of President Tinubu who is a former governor of a cosmopolitan state like Lagos and Badaru, a former governor of one of the northern states these terrorists are trying to take control of. Together, they have brought their knowledge and experience as former chief security officers of their states respectively to drive the operations of the nation’s security formation in the bid to achieve positive results in the war against terror.

In the coming months ahead, Nigerians should be ready to witness a nation where they can live freely without fear of agents of terror who had hitherto deprived them of the freedom to go about their businesses, farms and other activities without fear or intimidation. And this alone has already earned President Tinubu a second term in office because Nigerians will only be willing and passionate about giving another chance to a leader who has been able to wriggle them out of the shackles of insecurity and poverty.

God bless Nigeria!