Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Rtd General Christopher Musa, says the armed forces have reviewed their operational strategy in recent days in response to insurgency and banditry, resulting in the recapture of some affected areas, the neutralisation of terrorist commanders and the recovery of hostile assets.
Briefing State House Correspondents on Thursday after the security meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the State House, Abuja, Rtd Gen. Musa said the President convened the session to enable the service chiefs to brief him on the current security situation across the country.
He noted that the meeting followed a series of recent attacks, but stressed that security forces had risen to the challenge and were intensifying efforts to restore stability.
“We came in here for the services to brief Mr President on the current situation on the ground. You know that there have been a series of attacks, and the security forces have actually risen to the occasion.
“We came here to brief him on a better understanding of what is going on.
“We know sometimes interpretation through the media has not been too direct, we feel we should put the record straight, which we have done, and we are glad that Mr President has continued to support the Armed forces and other security agencies in the fight against insurgency.”
The Minister of Defence further revealed that terrorists are suffering heavier casualties, while several of their commanders have been eliminated.
He also acknowledged the loss of a number of officers and men in the line of duty, describing it as deeply regrettable, but assured Nigerians that the armed forces remained committed to ensuring the safety and security of the country.
The terrorists are taking more casualties, and their commanders are being killed. We have lost several very courageous officers and men highly regrettable, but we want to assure Nigerians that it is the commitment we are putting on the ground to ensure that Nigeria is safe and secure.
“But as I said, we have adjusted our strategies in the past few days. We have taken over those locations, we have killed their commanders, we have taken over their assets, we will continue to do more.”
Musa appealed to Nigerians not to lose hope or become discouraged by reports of attacks, stressing that the reality on the ground was different from the impression often created.
“As I said, it’s war, and your war comes in and out, and again it’s normal, it’s usual with the terrorists during the Ramadan period, for them, they feel when they die, they are going to heaven, so they are ready to commit any offence or to get killed because they have a reward.
“And our appeal to Nigerians is not to get tired. Not to be discouraged because sometimes when you hear that news, you will think it is just what is happening, but it is not, it is far from that.”
He expressed appreciation for President Tinubu’s continued support for the armed forces and other security agencies in the fight against insurgency.
“The President has promised more equipment for us to be able to protect the country against the war, and we are sure of victory.
“And I assure you, Mr President has approved many things that are coming on our line, and we are working together as a team, as you can see, all members of the security forces are here to assure Nigerians and Mr President that we are on track and we will succeed.”
The security meeting convened by President Bola Tinubu on Thursday marked the first of such since Tunji Disu assumed office as the Inspector-General of Police.