SUNTV Global Channel Reporting
Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (Rtd.), has declared that the country’s security forces have defeated terrorists, arguing that attacks by groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP are no longer as frequent or brazen as they were in previous years.
Musa made the statement during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, while speaking on the current security situation across the country.
Asked whether terrorists had been defeated or merely displaced, the Defence Minister said the situation had significantly improved, with the nature of insecurity shifting increasingly towards kidnapping and abduction.
“Frankly speaking, we have defeated terrorists because now, like I said, the attacks are not as rampant and it is now to kidnapping,” Musa said.
He noted that Nigerians no longer hear of frequent attacks by Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) as was previously the case.
“I can tell you there is improved security. Maybe if you noticed, you don’t hear so much of Boko Haram attacks, ISWAP attacks and all these things here and there, maybe one-off,” he stated.
From Terrorism to Kidnapping
According to Musa, security operations against criminal groups have forced the pattern of insecurity to move through different stages, from criminality to kidnapping, terrorism and insurgency, before declining again following military operations.
He explained that once security forces successfully target the perpetrators, their activities tend to reduce, forcing them to resort to kidnapping and abduction as alternative sources of funding.
“Now I say, the trajectory is this, from criminality to kidnapping to terrorism, insurgency. Once you are able to hit them, it goes back downwards and so we are now back into the stage of abductions and kidnappings because that is the easiest way for them to try and raise money,” he said.
The minister also disclosed that Nigerian troops had continued to enter terrorist enclaves and rescue abducted persons during ongoing operations.
Musa Defends Non-Partisan Role
Speaking about his involvement with the APC presidential campaign team, Musa insisted that his professional responsibilities as Defence Minister would remain above partisan politics.
“I am a professional, I will never succumb to that level, being partisan against opposition. Nigeria is my unit. Whatever it takes to protect Nigeria, that is what we stand for,” he said.
Minister Warns Governors Over Motorcycle Palliatives
Musa also appealed to state governors to reconsider the distribution of motorcycles as palliatives, warning that such motorcycles could eventually find their way into the hands of criminal and terrorist groups.
“We try to appeal to any governor to stop giving out motorcycles as palliatives because these motorcycles are still the same ones that will end up with these terrorists,” he cautioned.
He further emphasised the importance of effective local government administration, arguing that the inability of local governments to function properly contributes to insecurity in some parts of the country.
The Defence Minister’s remarks come amid continued national debate over the security situation, particularly the persistent challenges of kidnapping and abduction despite ongoing military operations against terrorist and criminal groups.
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