Sahel Terror Push Fuelling Nigeria’s Insecurity

The surge in terrorism across the Sahel region is directly impacting Nigeria’s security landscape, the nation’s service chiefs have warned, even as they reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding the country with President Bola Tinubu’s full backing.

Following a high-level security meeting with the President at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, told State House correspondents that the recent spike in insecurity was largely driven by pressure from jihadist groups operating across the Sahel corridor.

“What has happened of recent is that there’s a global push by terrorists and jihadists all over the Sahel area, and that pressure is what actually came into Nigeria because of the nature of our borders,” Gen. Musa said.

He said President Tinubu convened the meeting to review the national security situation and had since issued fresh directives to intensify efforts, enhance inter-agency cooperation and collaborate more with neighbouring countries.

“The president is concerned about what’s going on, and we have reassured him that we’re on top of our game. We’re working extremely hard,” Musa said, “All our theatres have been enhanced. Equipment has been bought. Mr. President has also given us approvals for air assets and other aspects of security.”

The defence chief emphasised that military action alone is not sufficient to address the crisis, pointing to the importance of non-kinetic efforts, including engagement with communities and delivery of democratic dividends to dissuade local support for criminal groups.

“The president is also looking at the aspect of discussing with the government for their support—buying in and ensuring that dividends of democracy extend to the communities to help stamp down insecurity,” he added.

In the wake of concerns raised by governors in states like Borno and Plateau, Gen. Musa disclosed that the military remained in close contact with state leaders.

“Not long ago, we went to the North East with ministers. Just yesterday, I came out from Maiduguri. We are working with all the governors because we know we cannot do it alone,” he said.

He stressed the need for a whole-of-society approach.

“The federal government is doing so much, but states, local governments, and communities all have a role to play in ensuring peace in Nigeria,” he said.

General Musa also warned Nigerians against the spread and consumption of misinformation, noting that fake news is increasingly being used to undermine national morale and spread fear.

“A lot of fake news is being spread—videos from other countries or old clips are being circulated to make it look like current events. You wonder why some people seem happy when bad things happen to their own country,” he said.

He urged the public to verify information and report wrongdoing—whether by criminal elements or security personnel—to the appropriate authorities, assuring that action would be taken swiftly.

The CDS reaffirmed the unity of Nigeria’s security architecture, noting the presence of the National Security Adviser, the director-general of the DSS, the Inspector-General of Police, and other senior officers at the meeting with President Tinubu.

“We’re working together as a team. The armed forces, the police, all security agencies—united in purpose—to make sure Nigeria is peaceful. That is our mandate, and that is what we will continue to pursue,” he concluded.

He appealed to Nigerians not to give up hope, saying the armed forces remain focused and determined. “We are shaming the naysayers. We are going to continue to succeed—that we assure all Nigerians.”