Terrorism Nigeria’s most complex security threat, says Defence Minister

 

Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa, has described terrorism as one of Nigeria’s most complex security challenges, calling for stronger national collaboration to sustain the fight against insurgency and violent extremism.

Musa spoke in Abuja during the unveiling of a two-volume publication titled “Counterterrorism and Counterinsurgency Operations in Northeast Nigeria,” authored by retired Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim Yusuf, a former Force Commander of the Multinational Joint Task Force and ex-Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy.

The minister stressed that defeating terrorism requires cooperation among the Armed Forces, government institutions and citizens, noting that the military cannot tackle insecurity alone.

“The Armed Forces cannot win this fight alone. Every member of the Armed Forces and indeed the entire society must contribute to the fight against terrorism,” Musa said.

He noted that terrorists often operate within civilian populations, making intelligence sharing, public vigilance and community support critical to operational success.

According to him, insurgency and terrorism remain among the most serious security threats in Nigeria’s history, requiring sustained collaboration between military forces, civil authorities and local communities.

Musa also commended the Nigerian Defence Academy for producing officers grounded in patriotism and professionalism, while describing the publication as an important contribution to national security discussions.

He urged serving military personnel to study the work carefully, saying it contains practical lessons from real operational experience.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by Special Adviser to the President on General Duties, Dr Aliyu Modibbo, urged military commanders to sustain pressure on terrorist groups and strengthen intelligence, technology and civil-military cooperation.

Shettima acknowledged progress made against insurgents but warned against complacency.

“Progress must not be mistaken for final victory,” he said.

The Vice President added that Nigeria’s security challenges require a whole-of-society approach involving security agencies, policymakers and citizens.

“What Nigeria has endured in recent years is not evidence of a nation overwhelmed by danger, but a reflection of the resilience and courage of Nigerians who continue to stand firm in defence of a shared destiny,” he stated.

Author of the publication, Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim Yusuf (retd.), said documenting military experiences proved more challenging than leading troops on the battlefield.

“I must confess that writing a book is far more demanding than leading men into battle. It is easier to command troops than to document experiences in a scholarly manner,” Yusuf said.

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), said effective leadership remains central to successful counterinsurgency operations.

“Success in such complex operations is not achieved by directives alone, but by ensuring that capable hands are available to translate strategic intent into operational action on the ground,” Buratai said.

Also speaking, Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, disclosed that the Nigerian Army had acquired additional drones and other operational equipment to improve surveillance, target acquisition and precision operations.

He said the Army would continue adapting to evolving security threats across the country.