Nigeria's defence minister has declared that the country has defeated terrorism, stating that attacks are no longer widespread, according to Channels Television.
The minister made the remarks during a recent briefing, asserting that security forces have gained ground against militant groups operating in the country. Channels Television reports that the official described the current security situation as a marked improvement over previous years.
The statement aligns with a broader narrative from Nigerian authorities that military operations have significantly reduced the frequency of terrorist incidents. In related coverage, LEADERSHIP Newspapers also reported that the defence minister highlighted declining terrorist attacks and credited security forces for making progress in ongoing counterinsurgency efforts.
However, the minister's assessment comes amid continued concerns about instability in parts of the country. Punch Newspapers noted that the defence minister separately called for the adoption of artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies to further address insecurity, suggesting that challenges remain despite the claimed victories.
The declaration follows a pattern of official communications aimed at reassuring the public about the government's handling of national security. Channels Television's report did not include specific statistics or timelines to substantiate the claim of total defeat, leaving room for scrutiny from observers who track militant activity in the region.
What to watch next: Whether the defence minister's assertion is backed by verifiable data on attack frequency in the coming months, and how the proposed adoption of AI technologies will be implemented in Nigeria's security operations.
