By Adesakin Adefemi
The Nigerian military is intensifying counterterrorism operations in the northern parts of the country, with terrorists and bandits recording heavy casualties, according to Defence Minister Christopher Musa.
Musa made the statement on Thursday shortly after President Bola Tinubu held a closed-door meeting with security chiefs at the presidential villa in Abuju.
Musa said the security chiefs met with the president to brief him on the current situation on the ground, adding that the military had risen to the occasion despite recent attacks. “We know sometimes the interpretation, especially through the media, has not been too direct. We felt we should put the record straight, which we have done,” he said.
The defence minister stated that although the military recently lost very courageous soldiers in the counterterrorism war, the terrorists have recorded greater losses. “The terrorists and the bandits are taking more casualties.
Their commanders are being killed. We have lost a number of very courageous officers and men, which is highly regrettable, but we want to assure Nigerians it is a commitment we are putting on the ground to ensure that Nigeria is safe and secure,” he said.
Musa said President Tinubu had promised to provide more equipment for the military to “prosecute the war” and secure victory. He stressed that the Nigerian armed forces had adjusted their strategies after the recent attacks, during which troops killed several terrorist commanders.
“We have adjusted our strategies. You can see in the past few days we’ve taken over those locations. We’ve killed their commanders and taken over their assets. We’ll continue to do more,” Musa said. He added that terrorists often intensify attacks during Ramadan because “they feel 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”.
The defence minister assured Nigerians that the military was on track and would succeed in the fight against terrorism. “I assure you Mr President has approved so many things that are coming on our line, and we’re working together as a team,” he said.
Those in attendance at the meeting included Nuhu Ribadu, national security adviser (NSA); Adeola Ajayi, director-general of the Department of State Services (DSS); and Olufemi Oluyede, chief of defence staff (CDS). Others were Waidi Shaibu, chief of army staff; Kelvin Aneke, chief of air staff; and Idi Abbas, chief of naval staff.
The meeting comes amid heightened security concerns in the country, with recent attacks on military positions and civilians. The military has vowed to continue its operations against terrorist groups, including Boko Haram and bandits.
The defence minister’s statement is expected to boost morale among Nigerians, who have been concerned about the security situation in the country. However, the fight against terrorism is far from over, and the military needs continued support and cooperation from the public to achieve success.
