Fresh Wave Of Insecurity: FG Blames Sahel Crisis

• Defence Minister: It’s A New Threat; We Are Tackling It
• Amid Renewed Herdsmen Attacks, Army Chief Relocates To Benue

The Federal Government of Nigeria has blamed the ongoing Sahel crisis for the fresh wave of insecurity that has rocked the country.

Amebo Newspaper NG. reports that the United States has suggested its withdrawal from the Sahel region is partly responsible for the renewed insecurity in the area, citing the vacuum left by Western forces as a factor in the rise of jihadist groups and the region’s pivot towards Russia.

Confirming this, Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, while addressing journalists in Kaduna on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 following a two-day working visit to key military institutions in the state, identified the ongoing Sahel Crisis as the catalyst for the renewed wave of insecurity in the country.

“There is a renewed vigour by the insurgents to destabilise the Sahel,” the minister started.

On the broader security landscape, the minister acknowledged that while significant gains had been recorded against banditry in the North-West, other regions continued to experience attacks, reflecting the evolving nature of insecurity in the country.

“In the North-East, especially Borno State, we’ve witnessed the resurgence of Boko Haram, which aligns with what is currently unfolding in the Sahel. If you are following developments in Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali, you’ll see that attacks have intensified across the region.

“The troops are doing wonderfully well. It’s a new threat, and we are tackling it. We will overcome it, and normalcy will return—by the special grace of God and your prayers,” he added.

“We are doing a lot to curtail them, and if you will be fair to us, you’ll notice that in the past week or two, the armed forces have gained momentum—attacking and eliminating them. The serial attacks on soldiers’ camps have been reduced to the barest minimum.”

He assured that the Federal Government was working tirelessly to respond to growing security threats across the North-East and North-Central regions.

Speaking on the escalating violence in Benue State, Badaru explained that the crisis was mainly communal, driven by recurrent clashes between farmers and herders.

According to him, the situation requires a largely non-kinetic approach.

“We are working on resolving these conflicts by engaging communities and ensuring herders remain within designated grazing areas. We are making progress in both providing security and preventing further violence,” he said.

The minister also commended the combined kinetic and non-kinetic efforts by the armed forces and the Kaduna State Government to restore peace in Birnin Gwari and other troubled parts of the state.

“Markets have reopened, and traffic is now flowing in and out of the local government area unhindered,” he said.

Badaru expressed satisfaction with the level of advancement in research and development (R&D) achieved by Nigeria’s military institutions, highlighting ongoing efforts to achieve self-sufficiency in locally made military equipment.

“The institutions are doing a very good job. They are following the President’s directive for deep research so that we’ll eventually become self-sufficient in our military requirements—including platforms and equipment needed for our armed forces,” he said.

He cited the repair and maintenance of Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles as one of the major milestones.

“Most of the damage to MRAPs is being repaired here. We’ve seen commendable work in maintenance, innovation, and development. The new Buffalo MRAPs and other equipment produced are really impressive,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oloyede, has temporarily relocated to Benue State in response to escalating security challenges, particularly deadly attacks by armed herders.

Oloyede arrived at the Makurdi Government House around 1:35 p.m. and held a closed-door meeting with Governor Hyacinth Alia. 

Though he did not address the media, Governor Alia briefed the Benue Traditional Council and state security officials, stating the COAS came with “a message of hope” and condolences from the Federal Government.

Alia revealed that the death toll from attacks in Apa and Gwer West LGAs has climbed to 33. He assured that security efforts would intensify following the Army Chief’s intervention.

The governor also met privately with top traditional rulers and heads of key security agencies, including the police and DSS.

Matrix Newspaper