Friday May 16, 2025 |
Amid growing security concerns in parts of the country, particularly in the North, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has assured citizens that the armed forces are working with renewed momentum to stamp out terrorism and restore peace nationwide, FirstNEWS reports.
General Musa gave the assurance on Friday following a high-level security meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The closed-door session brought together the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; the Director-General of the Department of State Services, Adeola Ajayi; and other service chiefs.
The meeting followed fresh waves of attacks on civilians and military personnel by Islamist insurgents, especially in the North-East and North-Central zones.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, the CDS said the president had expressed serious concern over the spate of violence and issued a firm directive to security agencies to step up their operations.
“The President is concerned about what’s going on, and we have reassured him that we are on top of our game,” General Musa said. “We are working extremely hard.”
He noted that the current uptick in terrorist activity is part of a larger regional threat spilling into Nigeria from the Sahel region, exacerbated by porous borders.
“There’s a global push by jihadist elements across the Sahel. That pressure is what’s filtering into Nigeria,” he explained. “Mr. President has instructed us to intensify efforts and strengthen collaboration with neighboring countries to address the cross-border threats.”
To boost operational capacity, Musa disclosed that President Tinubu has approved the acquisition of additional military hardware, including air assets, to bolster ongoing operations in affected regions.
He also stressed the need for a dual approach — combining firepower with non-kinetic strategies such as local engagement and delivery of social infrastructure to restive communities.
“This fight isn’t just about weapons. It’s about ensuring our people feel the impact of governance and development,” he said.
The Defence Chief further reiterated that all security agencies are working in synergy, with an overarching goal of a secure and unified Nigeria.
“We are united — the military, police, intelligence agencies — all working as one to bring peace to Nigeria,” he affirmed.
Responding to concerns raised by state governors, especially in Borno and Plateau States, the CDS emphasized the importance of joint action at all levels of government.
“We’ve been on the ground, in the North-East, in the North-Central. We’re engaging governors, ministers, and local leaders. It’s a shared responsibility,” he said.
General Musa also warned Nigerians against consuming or spreading misinformation online, including fake or outdated videos that misrepresent Nigeria’s current security situation.
“There’s a lot of fake news out there. It’s unfortunate that some people celebrate when the country faces difficulties. We need unity now more than ever,” he stated.
He urged citizens to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities, and support the military’s efforts to restore national stability.
“To those who doubt our resolve or want to see Nigeria fail, we say this: We will keep succeeding. That is our commitment to every Nigerian,” Musa concluded.
Insecurity: ‘We’re On Top Of Our Game’ — CDS Assures Nigerians
