Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has affirmed the federal government’s commitment to the welfare, morale, and operational support of military personnel deployed to combat insecurity in Sokoto State and other parts of the north-west.
Badaru made the statement on Sunday, 9 February 2026, during an operational visit to Sokoto, where he met with senior military commanders and troops involved in ongoing counter-insurgency and anti-banditry operations. The visit took place at the headquarters of Operation Hadarin Daji, the joint military task force overseeing security operations across Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, and parts of Kebbi states.
Speaking to officers and soldiers, the defence minister said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remained fully committed to ensuring that troops deployed to volatile areas are adequately equipped, motivated, and supported. He said welfare issues such as timely payment of allowances, improved accommodation, medical care, and logistics support remain a priority for the federal government.
The minister was accompanied by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who said the Armed Forces of Nigeria were intensifying operations against bandit groups, terrorist cells, and other criminal elements operating in the north-west. General Musa said recent operations in eastern Sokoto and border communities with Niger Republic had recorded “significant progress,” including the disruption of bandit camps and recovery of arms.
According to General Musa, troops have been instructed to maintain professionalism and protect civilians while sustaining pressure on armed groups. He added that intelligence-driven operations and improved coordination among the army, air force, police, and other security agencies were yielding results.
During a briefing by the General Officer Commanding 8 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Ibikunle Ajose, the defence minister was updated on recent engagements in areas including Sabon Birni, Isa, Goronyo, and Tangaza local government areas of Sokoto State. The briefing highlighted challenges such as difficult terrain and cross-border movements of armed groups, as well as recent arrests and neutralisation of suspected bandits.
Badaru also met with Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu in Sokoto city, where discussions focused on strengthening collaboration between federal security forces and local authorities. Governor Aliyu commended the military for its efforts and appealed for sustained deployments to protect rural communities that have suffered repeated attacks.
The defence minister assured state authorities that the federal government would continue to deploy resources to secure lives and property, not only in Sokoto but across the wider north-west region. He said the Tinubu administration views security as a national priority and would not relent until criminal networks are dismantled.
Residents of affected communities have expressed cautious optimism following the renewed assurances, while civil society groups have urged authorities to match promises with consistent action and accountability.
The visit comes amid renewed military operations across the north-west, as security agencies seek to curb banditry, kidnappings, and attacks that have displaced thousands and disrupted economic activities in the region.
