We’ve drastically reduced insurgency, banditry, Badaru says at ABU alumni Pre-AGA Lecture

Nigeria has made major strides in suppressing insurgency and banditry, Minister of Defence Muhammad Badaru Abubakar has said, insisting that the security component of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is producing measurable gains despite occasional flare-ups.

Badaru delivered the message on Thursday while presenting the Chairman’s keynote address at the 18th Annual General Assembly Pre-AGA Lecture of the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria Alumni Association Worldwide. The event took place at the Yusufu Bala Usman Hall on the university’s main campus in Zaria.

“Today, most of our roads are far safer than they were in previous years. Major masterminds of banditry and terrorism are being systematically neutralized by our gallant armed forces,” Alhaji Badaru said. He credited the progress recorded to President Tinubu’s strategic guidance and the renewed resolve of the military and security institutions.

Although acknowledging that isolated attacks still occur, the Minister described them as “sporadic spikes” that do not alter the broader trend of reduced insecurity nationwide.

Speaking as a fellow graduate of the institution, he urged members of the ABU Alumni Association Worldwide to strengthen cooperation with the Federal Government in tackling the remaining threats posed by insurgents and criminal groups.

“I call on this distinguished association to partner with government by providing ideas, resources, and moral support to finally rid our nation of these menaces. Together, we can consolidate the gains already made and deliver lasting peace and security to all Nigerians,” he stated.

The lecture, centred on national development and security, attracted alumni from within Nigeria and abroad, along with serving and retired military personnel, traditional leaders, and members of the academic community.

Activities for the 18th Annual General Assembly of the ABU Alumni Association Worldwide will continue tomorrow, 29 November 2025, featuring elections and other formal engagements.