Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd), on Wednesday ordered an operational rejig in the North-West and North-East regions following a series of deadly attacks on military bases, underscoring the federal government’s renewed focus on restoring peace and security in insurgency-affected areas. Musa made the announcement after a brief strategy meeting with service chiefs in Abuja, assuring Nigerians that the armed forces remain fully committed to safeguarding the country despite recent losses.
“We had a quick, short meeting with members of the services to review our strategy in all our theatres within the country. We’re all 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 said. Acknowledging that the military had suffered casualties during recent engagements, Musa maintained that terrorists and bandits were incurring greater losses.
“We are aware that we have suffered some casualties, but I can tell you the terrorists and bandits are taking more. We’re taking more commanders out, we’re taking more of their assets out, and we will continue to do that,” he added. He also warned against the dangers of misinformation circulating on social media, stressing that false narratives could undermine the morale of troops. “We know because of the issue of social media, there are a lot of falsehoods being spread. The Armed Forces are on top of their game, and we are putting in every effort to ensure the country is secured,” he said. Musa called on citizens to assist security agencies by providing credible intelligence and reporting suspicious activities, noting that combating insecurity is a collective responsibility.
“This challenge is a Nigerian challenge; it is not only the armed forces’ challenge. Other security agencies are also working in synergy with us,” he said. The minister further congratulated the newly appointed Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, assuring him of the military’s readiness to strengthen collaboration with the police in tackling insecurity. Musa also appealed to the media to exercise caution when reporting security matters, warning that the circulation of terrorist videos or propaganda could amplify the objectives of insurgents.
“Please do not allow your platforms to be used to spread terrorism. When you circulate their videos and messages, you give them the opportunity to shine and use it as propaganda against our troops,” he said. He added that individuals providing logistics or intelligence to terrorists would be treated as accomplices. “A friend of a thief is always a thief. Those supporting these criminals with information or logistics will be dealt with the same way we deal with the terrorists,” Musa cautioned.
The directive for an operational rejig follows several coordinated attacks on military installations in recent weeks, which have resulted in multiple casualties among troops and commanding officers. In Katsina State, Capt. Paul Hassan and two other soldiers were reportedly killed by insurgents. Similarly, on March 3, fighters linked to Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province launched an assault on the resettled community of Ngoshe in Borno State shortly after residents broke their fast during Ramadan.
Reports indicate that insurgents overwhelmed the military formation 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. These attacks have highlighted the growing sophistication of insurgent tactics and the challenges faced by Nigerian security forces in responding effectively to simultaneous threats across multiple fronts.
Senate honours fallen soldiers
In response to the spate of attacks, the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on Wednesday commended troops of Operation Hadin Kai for their bravery in confronting insurgents in the North-East and observed a minute of silence in honour of soldiers who lost their lives during a recent attack on a military formation in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State. The resolution followed a motion moved by Senator Tahir Monguno, representing Borno North Senatorial District, who drew attention to the March 9 assault carried out by suspected Boko Haram insurgents.
During plenary, Monguno stated, “The Senate notes with deep concern that in the early hours of March 9, suspected insurgents launched a coordinated attack on a military formation of the Nigerian Army in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, engaging troops in a fierce gun battle.” He explained that the attackers approached from multiple directions, resulting in intense combat that lasted nearly 24 hours and led to the deaths of Lt. Col. Umar Faru, a senior officer who played a pivotal role in the return of residents to Kukawa town, along with several other gallant soldiers.
Monguno added that some military vehicles were destroyed and weapons looted during the attack, describing the incident as part of a renewed wave of assaults on military formations in the North-East despite ongoing counter-insurgency operations. He further revealed that another community in Kukawa, named Doro, had been attacked earlier on Tuesday, resulting in the death of another soldier. “In fact, even this morning as I was coming here to move this motion, I received a report that another community in Kukawa LG, named Doro, was attacked by insurgents and one soldier lost his life in the course of the fight,” he said.
Senator Kaka Lawan, representing Borno Central, expressed concern over what he described as a resurgence of insurgent attacks across several communities in the state. “Mr President, the renewed resurgence of insurgency in Borno State is at an alarming rate, and something extraordinary needs to be done,” Lawan said. He listed communities including Mafa, Baga, and Konduga as areas recently targeted, noting that several civilians and military personnel, including commanding officers, had been killed in the attacks. “In a couple of days, we lost about three commanding officers as a result of this renewed resurgence,” he added.
Following the deliberations, the Senate commended the courage and sacrifice of officers and men of the Nigerian Armed Forces, particularly troops of Operation Hadin Kai, and urged the military to intensify counter-insurgency operations through improved intelligence gathering, enhanced surveillance, and strengthened operational capabilities to eradicate insurgency in the region. Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin commended Monguno for presenting the motion and acknowledged his efforts in supporting military operations within his constituency.
“You’ve done very well by bringing forward this motion. You have lived up to your responsibility as a senator representing that area, and we know how much you have been doing to help the military,” he said. Jibrin also reiterated that the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu remains committed to addressing security challenges nationwide. “Security challenges are not limited to Nigeria alone; many parts of the world are facing similar issues. But the President is doing his best to deal with the situation here at home,” he said, adding that tackling insecurity requires a collective effort and urging stakeholders to continue supporting initiatives aimed at restoring peace and stability across the country.