Nigeria is Winning the Fight Against Insecurity – Christopher Musa

Nigeria’s Defence Minister, General Christopher Musa (rtd), says the country is gradually gaining the upper hand in the battle against insecurity, insisting that military operations are producing results despite ongoing attacks in some areas.

Speaking during an interview, Musa said the fight against terrorism and banditry remains difficult, but security forces are making progress and need continued public support.

According to him, Nigeria is at a turning point in the war against insurgents, not a breaking point. He said recent operations have led to the killing of several terrorists and the disruption of key networks that support armed groups.

“We are winning,” he said, while urging Nigerians to stand behind the armed forces and the government.

His comments come at a time when concerns remain high over attacks in parts of the North-East and North-West, including killings, kidnappings, and assaults on military formations.

Musa argued that the nature of the conflict makes it more complicated than conventional warfare. He said troops are often facing enemies who rely on informants, hidden networks, surprise attacks, and improvised explosive devices.

He noted that many recent casualties suffered by troops were linked to landmines and IEDs planted on roads and operational routes. These devices, he said, continue to pose one of the biggest threats to soldiers on the frontline.

The Defence Minister also claimed that insurgents receive help from local collaborators who provide food, fuel, movement information, and other forms of support. Cutting off those networks, he said, is critical to ending the violence.

On the recent controversy surrounding military operations in Jilli, Borno State, Musa defended the action, saying the area had long been known as a location linked to insurgent logistics and supply activities.

He maintained that military strikes are based on intelligence and that troops do not deliberately target innocent civilians. He added that in cases where operational mistakes happen, investigations are carried out and affected communities are engaged.

Musa also dismissed suggestions that corruption or poor equipment maintenance is the main reason for battlefield setbacks. Instead, he said Nigeria’s armed forces are operating under funding pressure, rising foreign exchange costs, and dependence on imported military hardware.

Despite those challenges, he insisted the military is making the best use of available resources while gradually improving local production capacity.

The minister said one of the frustrations for security personnel is that successful operations often receive little attention, while losses dominate public discussion. He called on Nigerians to recognise the sacrifices of soldiers risking their lives daily.

He also reacted to recent foreign travel advisories on Nigeria, saying the country’s security challenges should not be exaggerated beyond reality.

While admitting that insecurity remains a serious national problem, Musa said progress is being made and operations will continue until armed groups are weakened further.