The Federal Government says over 35 aircraft have been procured and at least 13,500 terrorists eliminated under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, as part of renewed efforts to tackle the nation’s security challenges.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this on Wednesday.
Addressing concerns about whether the insecurity amounts to a failure of government, the minister noted that the security crisis has deep roots but is being approached with unprecedented resolve.
“This has been happening for decades. Government has a great responsibility to ensure that people’s lives and property are protected — that’s the first role of government,” he said.
“President Tinubu recognises that, and that’s why he feels pain. Look at the investment he has made in security since taking office: over 35 helicopters and airplanes have been procured, about four naval vessels, and large quantities of ammunition to fight criminal elements.”
Providing further figures, Idris revealed, “The latest statistics show that over 13,500 criminal elements have been eliminated. Their leaders have also been targeted and taken out. Around 120,000 of them have surrendered, and 17,000 people have been reunited with their families.”