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.
