Defence Minister Gen. Christopher Musa has described terrorism as the most complex security threat confronting Nigeria, stressing that defeating insurgency requires stronger collaboration among the military, government institutions, and citizens.
Speaking in Abuja at the unveiling of “Counterterrorism and Counterinsurgency Operations in Northeast Nigeria,” a two-volume publication authored by retired Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim Yusuf, Musa said the fight against terrorism cannot be won by the Armed Forces alone.
According to him, insurgents often blend into civilian populations, making intelligence gathering, public vigilance, and community support critical to military success. He emphasised that national security demands a collective effort from both security institutions and ordinary citizens.
“The Armed Forces cannot win this fight alone. Every member of society has a role to play in confronting terrorism,” he said, adding that the publication would enrich national security discussions by documenting operational experiences and lessons from the battlefield.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by his Special Adviser on General Duties, Dr. Aliyu Modibbo, urged troops to sustain pressure on terrorists in the Northeast through stronger intelligence sharing, technology deployment, and improved civil-military cooperation.
Shettima acknowledged progress in degrading terrorist networks but warned against complacency, stressing that recent gains should not be mistaken for total victory. He described the Northeast crisis as both a security and humanitarian challenge requiring a whole-of-society response.
Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Olufemi Oluyede described the publication as a major contribution to military scholarship, noting that the author’s extensive operational experience as former Commander of the Multinational Joint Task Force added practical depth to the work.
Meanwhile, Chief of Army Staff Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu announced that the Nigerian Army has acquired additional drones and other operational assets to strengthen surveillance, precision strikes, target acquisition, and casualty evacuation efforts as part of ongoing counterterrorism operations.
