The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, has said that terrorist groups, bandits, and other criminal networks operating across Nigeria have suffered serious setbacks due to sustained military and security operations.
Musa made this known on Monday while speaking at the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Annual Conference 2025 held at Nebo Hall, Abalti Barracks, in Lagos State. The conference brought together top military officers and key stakeholders to review the Nigerian Army’s operations and plan for future security challenges.
According to the Defence Minister, the operational strength of terrorists and criminals has been significantly reduced in many parts of the country. He attributed this progress to the courage of Nigerian troops, better planning, and stronger cooperation among security agencies.
He explained that security challenges in Nigeria have become more complex and cannot be handled by one agency alone. Instead, he said success depends on unity, teamwork, and shared responsibility among all security services.
“The reality remains that no single service, institution, or individual can tackle today’s security challenges in isolation,” Musa said. “Sustainable success depends on unity of effort, joint operations, intelligence sharing, coordinated planning, and close collaboration among security agencies.”
Nigeria has for over a decade faced serious security problems, including terrorism in the North-East, banditry and kidnappings in the North-West and North-Central, and other criminal activities across the country. Groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have carried out attacks on communities, security forces, and public facilities.
Bandit groups have also terrorised rural areas, especially in states like Zamfara, Katsina, Niger, and Kaduna, where kidnappings for ransom and attacks on villages have disrupted daily life and farming activities.
Musa said the Nigerian Armed Forces, working closely with other security agencies, have continued to degrade the capacity of these groups. He noted that many criminal networks have been forced to retreat, lose territory, or reduce their operations due to pressure from security forces.
The Defence Minister described the COAS Annual Conference as an important platform for reflection and planning. He said the meeting allows the Nigerian Army to review its current operations, assess its readiness, and adjust its strategies to meet national security needs.
“The significance of this conference cannot be overstated,” Musa said. “Nigeria continues to confront a range of threats including terrorism, insurgency, banditry, transnational crime, and other asymmetric challenges that require sustained strategic focus, adaptive leadership, and clear purpose.”
He added that the security environment remains dynamic, with criminals constantly changing their methods. As a result, the military must remain flexible and forward-looking in its approach.
Musa also stressed the need to balance operational success with the welfare of soldiers. He said while victories on the battlefield are important, the human cost of military service must not be ignored.
The minister paid tribute to soldiers who have been wounded in the line of duty, as well as the families of those who have lost loved ones. He acknowledged the physical, emotional, and psychological challenges faced by injured personnel and their families.
“Our wounded personnel and their families deserve our deepest respect and support,” Musa said. “Their welfare, medical care, and long-term support remain a top priority for the Ministry of Defence.”
He assured the military community that the government remains committed to improving the welfare of troops, including better medical services, housing, and support systems for families of fallen heroes.
Musa also highlighted the role of security in the administration of President Bola Tinubu. He said peace and stability are central to the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to promote economic growth, social development, and national unity.
According to him, without security, other development goals cannot be achieved. He therefore stressed the importance of strengthening the Armed Forces to ensure they are capable of protecting the country.
“The Ministry of Defence will continue to provide strategic direction, policy support, and capability development to ensure that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain professional, responsive, and future-ready,” the minister said.
He praised the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Waidi Shaibu, for his leadership and wide operational experience, especially in the North-East where the fight against terrorism has been intense.
Musa said the COAS’s experience on the field is valuable in shaping effective strategies and inspiring troops. He called for continued innovation and bold thinking to stay ahead of security threats.
“We must continue to evolve, remain proactive, innovative, and resolute in our approach to safeguarding Nigeria,” he said.
In recent months, the military has reported successes such as the arrest or elimination of key terrorist leaders, rescue of kidnapped victims, and recovery of weapons. While challenges remain, officials say these gains show that sustained pressure on criminal groups can produce results.
As the conference continues, participants are expected to focus on lessons learned from past operations and how to improve future missions. The discussions are also expected to address troop welfare, training, and the use of modern technology in warfare.