The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, has stated that the operational capabilities of terrorist groups, bandits, and other criminal elements have been significantly degraded across multiple regions in Nigeria. Speaking at the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference 2025 in Lagos, Musa attributed these gains to the courage of troops, improved planning, and the impact of coordinated joint and multi-agency operations.
He emphasized that addressing security challenges requires unity, intelligence sharing, and collaboration among all security agencies. Musa highlighted the importance of maintaining the human dimension of military service while pursuing operational success and noted the conference’s role in reviewing the Army’s readiness and aligning strategies with national security priorities.
Musa also commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Waidi Shaibu, for his operational leadership, especially in the North-East, and reiterated that Nigeria faces complex security threats, including terrorism, insurgency, banditry, and transnational crime, requiring sustained strategic focus and adaptive leadership.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu echoed the Minister’s remarks, stressing that enduring progress hinges on a capable, disciplined, and professional military. He applauded ongoing reforms within the Nigerian Army, including modernization, new training doctrines, and emphasis on professionalism, as crucial responses to evolving security challenges.
The Defence Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to providing strategic direction, capability development, and welfare support for personnel and their families, aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
