The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, says over 35 aircraft have been procured and at least 13,500 terrorists eliminated under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, in a new push to tackle the nation’s security challenges.

The Minister disclosed this on Wednesday night while speaking on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme.

He assured that despite the long history of the security crisis,  the Tinubu government is applying innovative methods in dealing with it.

“This has been happening for decades. Government has a great responsibility to ensure that people’s lives and property are protected — that’s the first role of government.

“President Tinubu recognises that, and that’s why he feels pain. Look at the investment he has made in security since taking office: over 35 helicopters and airplanes have been procured, about four naval vessels, and large quantities of ammunition to fight criminal elements,” while assuring Nigerians that the Tinubu is mindful of the pain among Nigerians.

The minister stressed: “The latest statistics show that over 13,500 criminal elements have been eliminated. Their leaders have also been targeted and taken out. Around 120,000 of them have surrendered, and 17,000 people have been reunited with their families.

“President Tinubu is not the kind of president who does not see what happens around him. He sees, he knows, and discusses with all of us — his ministers and key advisers. He knows what he is doing, and I can assure you that President Bola Tinubu is going to fix this.

“What is different is the President’s swift and committed response. Our hearts go out to those who lost their lives — it’s an unfortunate situation — but the response of Mr President, going with security chiefs and the full weight of this administration, has been decisive,” he said as he highlighted gains of Tinubu’s visit to Benue state.

He noted that “fighting insecurity must be holistic. We need to be on the same page with neighbouring countries — Niger, Chad, and Cameroon.”

He commended the “real synergy” forged within the security architecture under Tinubu’s leadership.

On Tinubu’s visit to Benue, he said: “The President didn’t just visit. He went to the hospital, spoke to the injured, and held a town hall meeting. That tells you how deeply he feels about this,” he said.