Security improving as Boko Haram weakens, fed govt boosting arms — Akume

...as Fulbe group pledges massive support for Tinubu, Shettima’s 2027 re-election

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has assured Nigerians that the country’s security situation is steadily improving, declaring that the insurgent group, Boko Haram, has been significantly degraded and reduced to a weakened force.

Akume gave the assurance when he received members of the Renewed Hope Fulbe Campaign Organization (RHFCO), a grassroots Fulani mobilization platform, at his office in Abuja.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yomi Odunuga, Akume said sustained military operations have diminished the capacity of terrorist elements, noting that their attacks have become sporadic and largely ineffective.

“Security has improved, which is very true. Boko Haram has virtually vanished and become like a ragtag group. They burst out once in a while, attack and run away, which means their firepower is no longer effective,” he said.

The SGF added that the Federal Government is strengthening the nation’s defence architecture through the acquisition of more arms and ammunition, alongside improved operational strategies by security agencies.

He expressed optimism that the country’s current security challenges are temporary.

“The problems we are having are temporary problems that will certainly go away. Things are already beginning to pick up,” he stated.

The meeting also took a political turn as the visiting RHFCO pledged total support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima in the 2027 general election.

Led by its National Coordinator, Abdullahi Ahmad Tibbo, the group said it would mobilize Fulani pastoralist communities across the country to deliver massive votes for the administration.

“We hereby declare that the Fulbe are fully behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for a second term. We will galvanize our people to deliver massive support at the polls,” Tibbo said.

He explained that the organization operates as a non-partisan, grassroots-driven platform aimed at integrating Fulbe communities into Nigeria’s democratic and developmental processes, while aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

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Tibbo noted that the group has established structures across over 20 states, with coordinators at national, zonal, state, and local government levels to deepen civic participation and voter mobilization.

Responding, Akume commended the group for its foresight and commitment to national unity, describing its mission as consistent with Nigeria’s need for inclusiveness and peaceful coexistence.

He urged the group to intensify grassroots sensitization, particularly in encouraging citizens to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to actively participate in the democratic process.

The SGF also highlighted key initiatives of the administration, including the creation of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, designed to unlock the economic potential of the sector and improve the livelihoods of pastoral communities.

He assured the delegation that their requests, including recognition as a strategic mobilization partner and provision of logistics support, would be duly considered.

Earlier, the RHFCO appealed for special recognition and inclusion in government policy dialogue platforms, particularly in livestock development programmes, and requested mobility support, including vehicles and motorcycles, to enhance its outreach across remote pastoral settlements.

The group reaffirmed its commitment to promoting peaceful coexistence, economic empowerment, and active civic engagement among Fulbe communities nationwide, while also announcing plans to inaugurate its national, zonal, and state structures in the coming months.

Akume assured the delegation of continued government engagement, reiterating that all submissions made would receive due attention.