President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the acquisition of additional military hardware as part of renewed efforts to strengthen ongoing operations against insurgents and bandits across the country.

The development was disclosed on Thursday by the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, after a closed-door security meeting between the President and top security officials at the State House.

According to Musa, the meeting reviewed the evolving security situation nationwide, particularly recent attacks on military formations in parts of the North-East, especially in Borno State.

He said the armed forces and other security agencies had already adjusted their operational strategies to respond to the changing tactics employed by insurgent groups.

“The meeting was for the services to brief Mr President on the current situation on the ground,” Musa told journalists after the session.

He explained that the gathering also enabled security chiefs to provide the President with a clearer picture of developments in the field and address what he described as misinterpretations of security reports circulating in the public space.

The meeting was attended by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, alongside service chiefs and heads of key intelligence agencies.

Those present included the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, Chief of Naval Staff, Idi Abbas, and Chief of Air Staff, Sunday Kelvin Aneke.

Also in attendance were the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Emmanuel Undiandeye, Director-General of the Department of State Services, Oluwatosin Ajayi, Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Mohammed Mohammed, and the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu.

Musa noted that despite recent attacks by insurgents, Nigerian forces have inflicted heavy losses on terrorist groups through sustained operations.

According to him, several commanders of insurgent groups have been neutralised and some strategic locations previously threatened by militants have been retaken.

“The terrorists and bandits are taking more casualties. Their commanders are being killed,” he said.

The Defence Minister acknowledged that the armed forces had also lost some personnel in the line of duty, describing their sacrifices as a testament to the military’s commitment to safeguarding the nation.

“We have lost a number of very courageous officers and men. It is highly regrettable, but we remain committed to ensuring Nigeria is safe and secure,” he said.

Musa said the President’s approval of additional military equipment would further strengthen ongoing counter-terrorism operations and improve the operational capacity of security forces.

“Mr President has promised more equipment for us to prosecute the war, and we are confident of victory,” he added.

He explained that insurgent groups often intensify attacks during the holy month of Ramadan, as extremist elements attempt to exploit ideological motivations to recruit fighters and encourage suicide missions.

Nevertheless, Musa insisted that Nigerian forces have already adapted their strategies and are making progress in reclaiming territory and dismantling terrorist networks.

“In the past few days, we have taken over some locations, neutralised their commanders and seized their assets,” he said.

He added that the coordinated collaboration among the armed forces, intelligence agencies and other security institutions remains central to the country’s renewed push against insecurity.

Reassuring Nigerians, the Defence Minister urged citizens not to lose confidence in the country’s security institutions despite recent attacks.

“All members of the security forces are working together. We want to assure Nigerians and Mr President that we are on track and we will succeed,” he said.