- ‘Our new strategies are working’
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the acquisition of additional military equipment to strengthen ongoing operations against terrorists and bandits.Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd), confirmed this yesterday after a security meeting between the President and security chiefs at the State House, Abuja.
At the meeting were National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas; and Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke.
Others present were Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Undiandeye; Director-General of the Department of State Services, Oluwatosin Ajayi; Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Mohammed Mohammed; and Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu.
The defence minister explained that the meeting was to update the President on the situation in the theatres of operation, especially in Borno, where the battle has been more ferocious in recent weeks. He expressed regret that the way the outcome of the operations was painted was uncomplimentary of the military.
Gen. Musa told reporters that President Tinubu also approved other logistical support for the armed forces and security agencies.
“Mr President has promised more equipment for us to be able to protect the country against the war, and we are sure of victory,” he said.
Gen. Musa emphasised that the ongoing security campaign should be viewed within the context of a prolonged conflict in which periods of heightened attacks are often followed by decisive counter-operations by government forces.
“It’s war, and you know war comes in and out,” he explained.
He also noted that extremist groups often escalate attacks during Ramadan due to ideological motivations that encourage suicide missions and violent acts under the guise of religious reward.
“During Ramadan, they feel that when they die, they are going to heaven, so they are ready to commit any offence or get killed because they believe there is a reward,” he said.
The minister insisted that Nigerian forces have adapted their tactics and are already reclaiming territory and neutralising key insurgent elements.
“We have adjusted our strategies. You can see in the past few days we have taken over those locations, we have killed their commanders, and we have taken over their assets,” he said.
He added that the coordinated approach among all branches of the armed forces and intelligence agencies is central to the renewed push against insecurity. “We will continue to do more. Mr President has approved many things, and they are coming on stream. We are working together as a team,” Gen. Musa said.
Reassuring Nigerians, the minister urged citizens not to lose confidence in the country’s security institutions despite recent incidents.
“Our appeal to Nigerians is not to get tired or discouraged.
“All members of the security forces are here to assure Nigerians and Mr President that we are on track and we will succeed,” he said.
Gen. Musa said the meeting reviewed recent developments on the security front, particularly the resurgence of attacks on military formations in parts of the Northeast, especially in Borno.
According to him, the armed forces and other security agencies have already adjusted their operational strategies to counter the evolving tactics of terrorist groups. “The meeting actually was for us to review events. We came here for the services to brief Mr. President on the current situation on the ground.
“You know that there have been a series of attacks, and the security forces have risen to the occasion.
“We came here to brief him so that he can have a better understanding of what is going on,” the minister said.
Gen. Musa explained that the security chiefs used the meeting to update the President on operational realities in the field and to correct what he described as misinterpretations of security developments circulating in public discourse.
He said: “We know sometimes interpretations, especially through social media, have not been too direct. We felt we should put the record straight, which we have done.”
He noted that despite recent attacks by insurgents, the Nigerian military has inflicted significant losses on terrorist groups, including the elimination of several commanders and the recovery of strategic locations previously targeted by militants.
According to the Defence Minister, insurgent groups have suffered heavier casualties in recent engagements with Nigerian forces.
“The terrorists and bandits are taking more casualties. Their commanders are being killed,” he said.
While acknowledging that the military had also suffered losses, Gen. Musa described the sacrifices of fallen officers and soldiers as a testament to the armed forces’ commitment to protecting the country.
“We have lost a number of very courageous officers and men.
“It is highly regrettable, but we want to assure Nigerians that the commitment we are putting on the ground is to ensure that Nigeria is safe and secure,” he said.
