Defence Minister Rates Tinubu’s Security Record 65-70%, Cites Progress Despite School Kidnappings

Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa, has rated the security performance of President Bola Tinubu’s administration at 65 to 70 per cent, saying terrorist activities have “drastically reduced” across the country despite recent kidnappings.

Speaking on ARISE News Friday during the administration’s third-year anniversary, Musa said no country is crime-free, but security agencies have made major gains.

“I’ll give ourselves 65 to 70%. No nation is totally free from crime and criminality. The level of terrorism across the country has actually drastically reduced,” he said.

Musa described kidnapping as a growing social problem tied to moral decline. “We have fathers kidnapping children, children kidnapping each other, brothers kidnapping sisters. It tells you something is wrong with the family, and we need to look inward,” he said.

His comments came days after gunmen abducted at least 82 pupils in separate school attacks between May 13-15. In Borno State, 42 pupils were kidnapped from schools in Askira Uba and Chibok LGAs. In Oyo State, 40 pupils were abducted in Oriire LGA. The Oyo attack turned deadly after mathematics teacher Michael Oyedokun and a motorcyclist were killed. A security operative also died after stepping on explosives during rescue efforts.

Military authorities later linked the Oyo attack to JAS terrorists who fled to the area due to ongoing operations elsewhere.

Musa highlighted a recent operation that killed a deputy ISIS commander after months of surveillance. “That was a painstaking operation that began last year. We followed through, were certain of our target, and when we struck, we got them. That is what we are doing,” he said.

The minister said public cooperation with security forces has improved, and Nigeria is receiving support from the US, UK, France, Brazil, and Turkey. “They are bringing platforms we don’t have, and we are working together,” he said.