Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has assessed the security performance of President Bola Tinubu’s administration at between 65 and 70 per cent, pointing to what he described as significant progress in tackling terrorism and other security threats across the country.

Speaking during an interview on Arise Television on Friday, Musa said the government had made notable gains in improving national security, although challenges remain.

According to him, no nation is entirely free from crime and criminal activities, but the level of terrorism in Nigeria has reduced considerably compared to previous years.

He noted that while isolated terrorist incidents still occur, the country is no longer experiencing the same scale of insurgent activity witnessed in the past.

The Defence Minister also attributed rising cases of banditry and kidnapping to several factors, including economic hardship, the desire for quick wealth, and the erosion of societal values.

He further suggested that political interests and acts of sabotage may contribute to insecurity in some instances, alleging that certain individuals seek to portray the government as weak or incapable of maintaining order.

Musa’s remarks come amid ongoing concerns about security across the country, particularly the persistent abduction of students and attacks on educational institutions.

Recent reports indicate that hundreds of schoolchildren have been kidnapped in separate incidents since President Tinubu assumed office on May 29, 2023, highlighting the continuing threat posed by armed groups and criminal networks.

Despite these concerns, the Federal Government maintains that security agencies have intensified operations against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, oil thieves, and other criminal elements.

In his address marking the third anniversary of his administration, President Tinubu acknowledged that insecurity remains a major challenge but insisted that significant progress has been made.

The President stated that security remains a central priority of his administration, noting that ongoing military and intelligence operations have helped improve safety in several communities and along major transportation routes.

Tinubu also reaffirmed his government's commitment to strengthening security nationwide and ensuring that Nigerians can live, work, and travel without fear.

While both the President and the Defence Minister acknowledge that security challenges persist, they maintain that ongoing reforms and military operations are gradually improving the country's security landscape.