Military Will Treat Anyone Supporting Bandits As An ‘Enemy Of The State’ – CDS

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen Christopher Musa, has said that anyone found supporting bandits would be treated as an enemy of the State.

Musa also said that 2,000 kidnapped hostages have been rescued in the last two years.
According to him, over 3,000 terrorists and bandits have been killed, while over 120,000 insurgents have surrendered to troops within the period.

The CDS disclosed this during a presentation at the 2-day interactive session on Government–Citizens Engagement organised by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation in Kaduna.

He also announced the recovery of over 2,300 arms and 72,000 rounds of ammunition across theatres of operation in the North.

In a statement by the Acting Director of Defence Information, Brig-Gen Tukur Gusau, Musa restated the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) commitment to restoring peace and enhancing security in Northern Nigeria.

He highlighted several key military achievements recorded since assuming office in 2023, in line with President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s strategic security directives.

Among the major highlights were the establishment of the Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre in Abuja and the creation of a dedicated Department of Training at Defence Headquarters, both of which have strengthened joint operations and personnel preparedness.

The CDS also noted the graduation of over 800 Special Forces operatives, with hundreds more undergoing training in Jaji and Nasarawa, tailored to address asymmetric threats in the North as part of these achievements.

General Musa also emphasised the restructuring of operations in the North-West into Operation FANSAN YAMMA, a unified joint task force, along with the establishment of Defence Special Forces Brigades in Kaduna and Niger States, and additional sectors under Operations HADIN KAI and FANSAN YAMMA. The expansion of Forward Operating Bases and the deployment of high-readiness units were also cited as critical moves in regaining control of volatile areas.

The CDS, beyond combat efforts, highlighted peacebuilding measures such as community sports competitions, reorientation campaigns, and strategic engagement with traditional leaders, governors, and civil society.

He said these initiatives have helped foster trust and supported the return of displaced persons to their communities.

He further disclosed the Armed Forces’ contribution to economic empowerment through the establishment of ranches, schools, and ICT-based training centres, especially in the Northeast and North West, while aligning with the Federal Government’s local content policy.

The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), AFIT, and other local defence manufacturers were also acknowledged for their growing role in military logistics and innovation.

Speaking on regional diplomacy, Musa said his visit to the Niger Republic in August 2024 enabled him to hold security discussions with his counterpart in a bid to manage cross-border threats and support peace in the subregion.