Saturday, May 17, 2025 - The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has assured Nigerians that the military remains fully committed to tackling the recent rise in insecurity across the country.
Speaking to State House correspondents on Friday, May 16,
after a closed-door meeting with President Bola Tinubu and other defence chiefs
at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, General Musa disclosed that the President
has approved the acquisition of new air assets to reinforce the nation’s
counter-insurgency efforts.
According to the military chief, President Tinubu has also
directed intensified collaboration with neighbouring countries, particularly in
light of Nigeria’s porous borders which, he said, have exacerbated internal
security challenges. “Mr President has given a directive as to what to do next
for us to intensify all efforts, collaborate with all our sister countries
around us because it is the porous nature from there that is aggravating our
own issues on ground,” General Musa stated.
He revealed that additional military equipment has already
been procured to strengthen operations in affected regions, particularly in the
North where terrorist attacks have surged in recent months. “All our theatres
have been enhanced, equipment has been bought and Mr President has given us
much approval for air assets, and other aspects of security,” he said. Musa
also emphasised the importance of non-kinetic strategies in addressing
insecurity, noting that the President is engaging state governors to ensure
that the dividends of democracy reach local communities, which he believes is
key to reducing violence and unrest.
General Musa linked the rising insecurity to a broader
pattern of terrorist and jihadist movements across the Sahel region, warning
that Nigeria’s vulnerability is heightened by regional instability and weak
border control. He said the meeting with President Tinubu was convened to
review the overall security landscape and devise strategies to counter emerging
threats. “The President is deeply concerned about the current developments and
is determined to see them resolved,” he said, adding that the military leadership
reaffirmed their commitment to restoring peace and stability.
In a broader appeal, the Chief of Defence Staff urged
Nigerians to continue supporting the Armed Forces and other security agencies.
“Don’t get tired,” he said, calling on citizens to remain vigilant and report
suspicious activities. He also cautioned against the spread of misinformation,
pointing to recent instances where foreign video content was misrepresented as
happening in Nigeria. “It is important that we all cooperate with the members
of the Armed Forces and security agencies. If we see something that is going
wrong anywhere in the country, let us report, action will be taken, including
our own personnel,” he said.
General Musa expressed concern that some individuals appear
to take satisfaction in the country’s difficulties, warning that the collapse
of Nigeria would have dire consequences for everyone.
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