Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, has called on Nigerians not to lose faith in the country’s ongoing fight against terrorism despite recent attacks on security personnel and communities.
Musa made the appeal on Thursday after briefing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The security briefing followed a closed-door meeting between the President and top security officials, including service chiefs and the newly appointed Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu.
The meeting came in the wake of renewed attacks on military formations and security personnel across the country, including a deadly assault on the Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State by suspected Boko Haram insurgents.
Musa: Nigerians Should Not Lose Hope
Speaking with journalists after the meeting, Musa said the security chiefs met the President to brief him on the latest security developments and provide clarification on recent incidents.
According to him, while the armed forces have suffered some losses, terrorist groups have also sustained significant casualties in ongoing military operations.
“Our appeal to Nigerians is not to get tired and not to be discouraged, because sometimes when you hear the news, you think that is all that is happening, but it is far from that.
“The terrorists and bandits are taking more casualties. Their commanders are being killed. We have, however, lost a number of very courageous officers and men, which is highly regrettable. But we want to assure Nigerians that it is a commitment we have on the ground to ensure that Nigeria is safe and secure,” he added.
Clarifying the Security Situation
Musa explained that the leadership of the armed forces deemed it necessary to present a clearer picture of the situation to the public, noting that media reports do not always capture the full reality of the conflict.
He also praised President Tinubu for his continued support for the military and other security agencies engaged in operations against insurgents and bandits.
The defence chief revealed that the President had approved additional military equipment to strengthen ongoing operations across the country.
“The President has promised more equipment for us to be able to prosecute the war, and we are sure of victory. It is war, and war comes in phases,” he said.
Military Adjusts Strategy
Musa noted that insurgent activities often increase during the Muslim fasting period of Ramadan, but said the military had already adjusted its operational strategies to counter the threat.
“But like I said, we have adjusted our strategies. You can see that in the past few days we have taken over those locations, killed their commanders and seized their assets. We will continue to do more.
“I assure you that Mr President has approved so many things that are coming on line. We are working together as a team. You can see all members of the security forces here to assure Nigerians—and to assure Mr President—that we are on track and we will succeed,” he said
