President Bola Tinubu has approved the acquisition of additional military equipment for the armed forces and other security agencies to intensify the fight against terrorism and banditry nationwide.
Defence Minister Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.) disclosed this while briefing State House correspondents after a nearly two-hour security meeting at the Presidential Villa on Thursday, March 13, 2026.
Musa, who described the session as a review of the current security situation, said the President reaffirmed his commitment to equipping security forces for victory.
“The President has promised more equipment for us to be able to protect the nation, and we assure victory,” Musa stated.
He did not provide specifics on the type or quantity of hardware approved.
The meeting marked the first attended by the newly appointed Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, since assuming office on February 28, 2026.
Musa explained that the gathering was convened to brief the President accurately on ongoing operations, especially following recent attacks on military formations.
“We came in here for the services to brief Mr President on the current situation on the ground. You know that there have been a series of attacks, and the security forces have actually risen to the occasion,” he said.
He noted that media reports sometimes fail to capture the full picture, adding that the briefing ensured the President received direct and accurate updates.
The minister appealed to Nigerians not to lose hope despite reports of attacks, insisting that terrorists and bandits were suffering heavier casualties.
“Our appeal to Nigerians is not to get tired, not to be discouraged… The terrorists, the bandits, are taking more casualties. Their commanders are being killed,” Musa said.
He acknowledged the loss of courageous officers and men in recent operations, describing the casualties as “highly regrettable,” but assured that strategies had been adjusted and successes were being recorded.
Musa attributed the recent surge in terrorist activity—particularly in the North-East—to the Ramadan period, explaining that insurgents believe martyrdom during the holy month guarantees paradise.
“It is normal with terrorists during the Ramadan period. For them, they feel when they die, they are going to heaven, so they are ready to commit any offence or to get killed, because they feel they have a reward to do,” he said.
He assured that the military had adapted its approach and was reclaiming ground, eliminating commanders, and seizing assets.
“As I said, we have adjusted our strategies. You can see in the past few days, we’ve taken over those locations. We’ve killed their commanders, we’ve taken over their assets. We’ll continue to do more,” Musa stated.
The Thursday meeting, which ended around 5:10 pm, was attended by all service chiefs and heads of security agencies. Security chiefs arrived discreetly without official vehicles.
In attendance were the Directors-General of the National Intelligence Agency and Department of State Services, Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Defence Staff, National Security Adviser, Inspector-General of Police, Chief of Air Staff, Chief of Naval Staff, and Chief of Defence Intelligence.
The briefing comes amid intensified insurgent attacks in Borno State, including assaults on Ngoshe, Konduga, Marte, Jakana, and Mainok, resulting in casualties among security personnel and civilians.
During an Iftar dinner with service chiefs on March 6, President Tinubu assured the military of continued support to end terrorism. Vice President Kashim Shettima also vowed overwhelming force to defeat the insurgency.
