The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has refuted claims suggesting that terrorist groups possess greater firepower than the nation’s military forces.
During a ministerial briefing held on Wednesday in Abuja, Badaru emphasized that the Nigerian military has significantly more advanced weapons and technology compared to any terrorist organization.
He also addressed and countered the statements from the House of Representatives members on Tuesday.
The legislators had voiced their worries about the growing power of terrorist groups after a recent assault on a military base in Giwa, Borno.
He said, “The issue is, this war is not a conventional war. It’s like a guerrilla war. They watch us, they have informants around us.
“They help the people that we try to protect, and they give them information, then they jump at us the way we don’t expect when they know that our surveillance mechanism is watching other directions.
“Out of 53 companies operating within the complex, 10 have already begun producing military-grade hardware, including drones, aircraft components, and protective gear.
”Most of them are at various stages of constructing their factories.
”About 10 of these companies have already commenced production, including the manufacturing of drones, aircraft components, personal computers, helmets, safety vests, and other equipment.
“We are targeting at least 20 companies to be operational by the end of the year, and by next year, we aim to begin exporting.
“We are working to see if we can sustain a section in Ajaokuta that will support our efforts to make DICON more vibrant.”
