The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa, has said that Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies are firmly on top of the country’s insecurity situation, despite recent terrorists attacks at various places .
He spoke as citizens begun to think and feel that Nigeria is under siege.
Gen. Musa spoke in Abuja Wednesday after an emergency meeting with Service Chiefs and senior military officers to review operational strategies across all theatres of operation nationwide.
He said there is no cause for public concern or panic about the attacks because troops overwhelmed them.
“The strategic meeting was convened to assess the current security situation and strengthen ongoing efforts to defeat terrorists and other criminal elements threatening national security,” he said.
“We had a quick meeting with members of the services to review our strategy in all our theatres within the country.
“We are 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 acknowledged that the military suffered some casualties during operations, and assured Nigerians that terrorists are sustaining heavier losses.
“We know we have suffered some casualties, but I can tell you the terrorists and bandits are taking more. We are taking out more of their commanders and destroying their assets, and we will continue to do that,” he said.
Gen. Musa appealed to the public to continue their supports for the Armed Forces and other security agencies, stating that “tackling insecurity requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach”.
He warned against the spread of misinformation on social media, because unverified reports could undermine security efforts and demoralise troops.
“Citizens should always verify security-related information with the Armed Forces rather than rely on unverified online reports,” he urged.
Gen . Musa specifically appealed to media organisations to exercise professionalism and avoid amplifying terrorist propaganda through the circulation of videos and materials produced by criminal groups.
“It is easier when you spread their videos and pictures because you give them the opportunity to shine and use it as propaganda to demoralise our troops,” he said.
Gen. Musa further urged Nigerians to report suspicious activities promptly and warned that anyone providing information or logistical support to terrorists would be treated as an accomplice.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support to the Armed Forces and congratulated the new Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Dusu, and assured him of strong collaboration to address security challenges.
Recall that the past weeks have seen coordinated attacks on military bases by terrorists, resulting in the deaths of soldiers and commanding officers.
In Katsina State, Paul Hassan and two other soldiers were reportedly killed during one such attack.
Just on March 3, fighters linked to Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province invaded the resettled community of Ngoshe shortly after residents broke their fast during Ramadan.
The insurgents reportedly overwhelmed military formations with superior firepower, including rocket-propelled grenades, anti-aircraft machine guns, and drones, leaving at least 14 soldiers dead across the Ngoshe and Pulka military bases—nine in Ngoshe and five in Pulka, including a commanding officer.