The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa has called on state governors and local government chairpersons to improve governance at the grassroots level as a means of addressing rising insecurity, particularly banditry and terrorism.
In a media interview with Arise TV, General Chris Musa expressed concerns over the spread of misinformation regarding military operations. He noted that whenever progress is made in counterinsurgency efforts, negative information is often exaggerated to mislead the public.”
He emphasized that effective governance is essential for tackling the root causes of insecurity and is critical for achieving lasting solutions to social issues. While acknowledging that it is unrealistic to expect complete crime eradication, he noted that good governance lays the groundwork for addressing insecurity’s underlying factors.
“In many communities, we have discovered that people lack a fundamental understanding of government and its role in providing essential services. The lack of infrastructure—such as roads, water, and electricity—along with insufficient economic opportunities perpetuates poverty and hunger, making these areas susceptible to exploitation. Terrorist groups and criminal organizations exploit these vulnerabilities to recruit members and foster instability,” he explained.
“Good governance is vital in our fight against terrorism. Local governments, governors, and institutions must work collaboratively to provide infrastructure, food, education, and employment. By doing so, we can eliminate the conditions that allow terrorism to flourish,” General Musa added.
Addressing concerns about reported accidental airstrikes, General Musa assured the public that the military exercises utmost caution when conducting air operations, closely monitoring movements to minimize collateral damage. However, he acknowledged the potential for secondary explosions from surrounding weapons, bombs, and explosives that could unintentionally impact civilians.
“I want to be clear: we do not deliberately target civilian populations. We make every effort to protect innocent lives,” he stated, noting that the military has evidence, including videos, to substantiate its operational conduct.
He expressed concern that some individuals, including certain traditional rulers and religious leaders, have exacerbated tensions by spreading misinformation to undermine military efforts.
“The timing of reports concerning accidental airstrikes raises questions. Is it merely coincidental that such claims emerge when we are making substantive progress? It appears that some factions aim to discredit our military, undermine our Air Force, and create a narrative of incompetence,” he remarked.
General Musa reassured the public that each reported incident is thoroughly investigated, emphasizing the importance of waiting for verification before jumping to conclusions.
“As we continue to act decisively to protect Nigerian lives and uphold the integrity of our military operations, I urge those who claim accidents have occurred to be patient as we conduct our verification processes,” he said.
On the broader issue of insecurity, he noted that countering terrorism necessitates a whole-of-society approach, with citizens collaborating to prevent the spread of extremist ideologies through education and economic development, thereby fortifying community resilience and security.
“Countering terrorism requires a multifaceted strategy. The adversaries we face are borderless and lack respect for human life. Terrorism extends beyond security concerns to political and sabotage dimensions, as some factions seek to manipulate these issues to portray Nigeria as ungovernable,” he explained.
He pointed out that while counterinsurgency operations have yielded positive results, the influx of small arms, light weapons, and drugs from neighboring countries remains a significant threat. This highlights the need for regional cooperation to secure borders and prevent the trafficking of illicit goods.
However, he reassured the public that Nigeria is safe and that ongoing efforts are aimed at maintaining this security. The recent return of both foreigners and Nigerians during the holiday season underscored the improvements made. He also highlighted the successful surrender of many terrorists and the implementation of rehabilitation programs for their deradicalization and skills training.
One concerning trend identified by General Musa is the recruitment of children by terrorist groups. “Over 60,000 children have surrendered, and we are dedicated to rehabilitating them,” he said.
On the role of ECOWAS, he emphasized the necessity for Nigeria to collaborate with neighboring countries in addressing security challenges through intelligence sharing and the exchange of best practices to combat terrorism and transnational organized crime, fostering a safer environment for all citizens.
“We are committed to working with neighboring nations to tackle the regional dimensions of terrorism. Our partnership with ECOWAS is vital for intelligence sharing, coordinated efforts, and ensuring that terrorist groups do not find safe havens across borders,” he affirmed.
General Musa acknowledged that the region has experienced heavy casualties and an increase in terrorist activities. He reiterated that the attacks are designed to exploit vulnerable areas and stressed the importance of unity in combating these threats.
“The exit of certain countries from ECOWAS does not present a viable solution. I commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for extending an olive branch to these nations,” he stated.
He concluded with a call for collective efforts to address the region’s security challenges, asserting that no single nation can tackle these issues alone. “As Defence Chiefs, we have pledged our commitment to securing our region and protecting democratic governance,” he said.
Lastly, General Musa recognized that the nature of modern warfare has evolved, with non-state actors presenting significant challenges. He called for a combined kinetic and non-kinetic approach to address these threats effectively.
He underscored the importance of regional cooperation in securing borders and preventing the movement of small arms, light weapons, and drugs. “We must support one another in building strong, resilient communities. While we have made significant strides in combating terrorism in Nigeria, our efforts must be supplemented by regional collaboration,” he concluded.
“Finally, I want to stress the significance of human rights and responsible reporting. We have faced instances of misinformation and demoralization from international organizations. Nigeria will continue to uphold human rights and strive for a secure, prosperous future for all its citizens.”
