Security Situation Improving, Nigerians Must Stop Aiding Terrorists – Defence Minister

Nigeria’s Minister of Defence and former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd), has said the country’s security atmosphere was “far better than it used to be,” assuring Nigerians that the nation was closer than ever to achieving lasting security, even as he warned that the fight against terrorism cannot be won without citizens’ cooperation.

Speaking on ARISE News Channel’s Prime Time Show on Thursday night on the occasion of the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day in honour of fallen heroes and active servicemen on January 15, Musa said President Bola Tinubu has given clear directives to the security services to intensify efforts, while also addressing key operational challenges confronting the Armed Forces.

“I can tell you broadly that things, at least the atmosphere, is getting a lot better than how it used to be. But we need to do more. Of recent, Mr President has given a lot of direction to do more, and he is addressing the challenges we have raised. We’re getting additional platforms and additional support,” he said.

The Defence Minister, however, stressed that terrorist groups continued to survive largely because of internal collaborators who supply them with food, logistics and intelligence on troops’ movements.

“How do they maintain themselves? How do they get food in the bushes? There are people that take these things to them, that give them information about troops’ movement and provide logistics. Communities that have decided not to support them are free,” Musa stated.

He urged Nigerians to see security as a collective responsibility, noting that security personnel “cannot be everywhere.”

“Once you see something going on, report as quickly as possible,” he appealed.

Responding to concerns about intelligence gaps, General Musa explained that difficult terrain, the threat of landmines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and slow mobility often delay security responses.

“Sometimes, because of IEDs, to move 10 kilometres can take more than five hours. If you make a mistake and step on an IED, everybody is dead. These are the challenges we face,” he said.

Musa argued that Nigeria’s security crisis goes beyond military action, describing it as a governance, social and economic challenge that required both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches.

“The kinetic aspect cannot solve everything. It only provides an enabling environment for other aspects to take place. Issues of justice, fairness, equity, infrastructure development, poverty and illiteracy all play a role,” he noted.

On regional cooperation, the minister said Nigeria was strengthening security collaboration with neighbouring countries, including Niger, Chad, Cameroon and Benin Republic, as insecurity has become a global problem.

“What is going on now is a world challenge. Just like ISIS, which the world came together to defeat, we are seeing similar issues in Nigeria, Mali, Burkina Faso and Mozambique. We must all come together to fight it,” he said.

Musa also dismissed claims that the United States could carry out unilateral military action in Nigeria, following past rhetoric by US President Donald Trump.
“Nigeria is a sovereign country. Whatever Americans are doing or will do in Nigeria must be discussed, planned and executed together. No country will just fly into Nigeria and do whatever it feels like doing,” he said, describing such rhetoric as “overblown.”

Addressing allegations of religious persecution, Musa rejected claims that the Federal Government was targeting Christians, insisting that both Christians and Muslims are victims of insecurity.

“Christians, Muslims, non-Christians, non-Muslims are being killed. It is not a federal government policy to go after Christians. We have criminal elements taking advantage of the situation,” he said.

Drawing from personal experience, the Defence Minister said fear is natural in conflict-prone environments but cautioned against narratives that portray Nigeria as unsafe or intolerant.

“I was born and raised in Sokoto and had one of the best upbringings in life. Fear is human nature, but perceptions are sometimes exaggerated,” he added.

Musa warned opinion leaders, religious figures and politicians against making statements that could embolden terrorists, declaring that anyone who supports or encourages criminal groups is complicit.

“A criminal is a criminal. Anybody who supports a criminal is also a criminal. Whether by funding, logistics, information or even encouragement through the media,” he said.

He noted that while freedom of speech is protected, it must not cross the line into incitement or justification of violence.

“Once that red line is crossed, necessary action will be taken. Nobody is above the law,” he warned.

On foreign military assistance, Musa confirmed that the United States recently delivered military equipment to Nigeria, explaining that some were previously paid for, while others were new support.

“American equipment is tested and trusted. Every equipment you get from them is the best of the best, and it can make a lot of difference,” he said.

Reacting to recent operations in Sokoto State, Musa said the targeted group, Lakurawa, was not a minor threat.

“They are as potent as Boko Haram. The idea was to stop them before they spread,” he explained, adding that advanced tactics were used in neutralising them.

Looking ahead, the Defence Minister said success under his leadership would be measured by Nigerians’ ability to live without fear.

“Success is Nigerians sleeping with their eyes closed, students going to school without being kidnapped, markets flourishing and visitors coming into Nigeria without fear,” Musa said.

He also revealed plans to tighten border security through a mix of physical barriers, technology, drones and satellite surveillance.
“Securing Nigeria’s borders is my hope and my prayer,” he said.

Musa concluded by calling on all tiers of government, especially local governments, to take security more seriously, insisting that collective action remains the key to restoring peace across the country.