Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa, has assured Nigerians that terrorists and bandits operating across the country are suffering heavier losses than government forces, as the Armed Forces intensify operations across multiple theatres.
Speaking after a strategy meeting with service chiefs in Abuja on Wednesday, Musa said the meeting was convened to review ongoing military strategies and strengthen operational coordination nationwide.
“We had a quick, short meeting with members of the services to review our strategy in all our theatres within the country. We’re all aware of the issues on the ground, but I want to assure Nigerians that members of the armed forces are working tirelessly to ensure that Nigeria is safe and secure,” he said.
The minister acknowledged that the military had sustained casualties in recent engagements but emphasized that terrorists were incurring greater losses, including key commanders and critical assets.
“We are aware that we have suffered some casualties, but I can tell you the terrorists and bandits are taking more. We’re taking more commanders out, we’re taking more of their assets out, and we will continue to do that,” Musa added.
He urged Nigerians not to be misled by misinformation circulating on social media, warning that false narratives could undermine troop morale. He called on citizens to support security agencies by reporting credible information and suspicious activities.
“This challenge is a Nigerian challenge; it is not only the armed forces’ challenge. Other security agencies are also working in synergy with us,” Musa noted.
The minister congratulated Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, pledging the military’s readiness to strengthen collaboration with the police to tackle insecurity. He also appealed to the media to exercise caution in reporting security issues, stressing that circulating terrorists’ propaganda could aid their objectives.
“Please do not allow your platforms to be used to spread terrorism. When you circulate their videos and messages, you allow them to shine and use them as propaganda against our troops,” he said.
Musa expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Assembly, and state governors for supporting the armed forces and reaffirmed that Nigerians should remain confident and vigilant.
“We want to assure Nigerians that they should remain confident and determined. When you see something going wrong, do not hesitate to report it. Action will be taken as quickly as possible,” he added.
The minister also issued a stern warning to anyone providing logistical or intelligence support to terrorists, declaring they would be treated as accomplices.
“A friend of a thief is always a thief. Those supporting these criminals with information or logistics will be dealt with the same way we deal with the terrorists,” he said.
Recent weeks have seen coordinated assaults by terrorists on multiple military bases, resulting in the deaths of soldiers and commanding officers. In Katsina State, Paul Hassan and two other soldiers were reportedly killed in an attack. On March 3, fighters linked to Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) overran the resettled community of Ngoshe shortly after residents broke their fast during Ramadan.
The insurgents reportedly used rocket-propelled grenades, anti-aircraft machine guns, and drones in the assault, leaving at least 14 soldiers dead across the Ngoshe and Pulka military bases, including nine at Ngoshe and five at Pulka, among them a commanding officer.
ELIJAH ADEYEMI
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