The Federal Government yesterday battled the House of Representatives over claims that Boko Haram insurgents deploy weapons more sophisticated than those of the military in the war against terrorism.
Recall that some members of the House alleged at Tuesday’s plenary that the insurgents are using weapons more sophisticated than those deployed by the military in the anti-insurgency war, and warned the government against citizens’ revolt, if insecurity in the country was not resolved as soon as possible.
Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, who clarified, spoke on a day the National Security Adviser, NSA, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, diclosed in Minna, Niger State, that the Federal Government has adopted a new strategy towards waging total war against all forms of terrorism and insecurity nationwide.
He also said the government is doing everything possible to eradicate all sources and channels of entry of firearms into the country.
This is even as the lawmaker representing Borno South, Senator Ali Ndume, asked the Federal Government and the military authorities to provide arms and ammunition to resilient local hunters, vigilantes and Civilian Task Force members to assist the military, following the killing of a captain and soldier at Izge community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State by insurgents yesterday.
Speaking at a ministerial briefing in Abuja yesterday, the Defence Minister insisted that Nigeria’s armed forces are better equipped and more sophisticated than insurgents.
He clarified that so far, the terrorists have deployed civilian-grade drones with improvised explosives which had been less successful.
“They’re not using armed drones with strategic guidance. We are doubling our intelligence efforts, both locally and internationally, to track and cut off supply sources,” he said.
He also downplayed the importance of a proposed security summit by the Senate, stressing that renewal of strategy is far more critical in combating insecurity.
Badaru said the current challenge is not a lack of firepower but rather the unpredictable tactics used by terrorists, often aided by informants within local communities.
His words: “Yesterday (Tuesday), the House of Representatives said terrorists have better weapons than us. That is absolutely not true. We have much more sophisticated weapons and we have much more sophisticated drones.
“The issue is, this war is not a conventional war, it’s like a guerrilla war. They watch us, they have informant around us. They (insurgents) help the people we try to protect and they get information from the people, and they jump at us the way we don’t expect. We have much more sophisticated equipment.’’
On the planned Senate security summit, the minister maintained that while such gatherings could provide useful input, they cannot substitute for well-thought-out military strategies.
“On the summit, yes, strategy is far more important than summit. But summit will give you some inputs for the strategy. When you hold a summit, you have people, they talk. We take what they expect, and we go back to design or renew our strategy.
“Then, the Chief of Defence Staff gives operational orders, based on the strategy they developed. So what the National Assembly is trying to do, maybe, is to bring people together to discuss issues. You hear a lot.
“I visited most of the past defense ministers. I visited most of the past service chiefs to discuss issues of security during their time and what we see today. And I’m sure the service chiefs also do the same. So the summit can help, but the strategy is much more important.”
Addressing concerns about the use of drones by terrorists, Badaru clarified” that so far, they have only deployed civilian-grade drones improvised with explosives.’
Giving updates on domestic defence production efforts, he disclosed that 10 of 53 companies involved in the Defence Industrial Complex, DICON, had begun production of drones, aircraft parts, helmets, and other military equipment.
He said government hoped to have at least 20 of those companies in full production by year’s end, with plans to begin exporting by next year.
“We are working to see if we can sustain a section in Ajaokuta that will support our efforts to make DICON more vibrant.
“Currently, with the support of the President, the governor, and the chief of defence staff, DICON— as many of you know — is hosting 53 companies. Most of them are at various stages of constructing their factories.
“About 10 of these companies have already commenced production, including the manufacturing of drones, aircraft components, personal computers, helmets, safety vests, and other equipment.
“So far, 10 have begun production, and we are targeting at least 20 companies to be operational by the end of the year. By next year, we aim to begin export.”