CDS Reveals Military Tactics Behind The Surrender Of 200,000 Terrorists

CDS Reveals Military Tactics Behind The Surrender Of 200,000 TerroristsThe Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has revealed that approximately 200,000 former terrorists in Nigeria’s northeast have surrendered and laid down their arms, a result he attributes to a strategic blend of kinetic and non-kinetic operations. Speaking at the Security and Justice Symposium in Abuja, organized by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in partnership with the British High Commission, General Musa discussed the critical role of justice, equity, and accountability in overcoming Nigeria’s security challenges.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Musa emphasized that non-kinetic strategies, which address underlying social issues such as poverty and hunger, are just as important as military force in reducing insurgency. He also highlighted the significance of disrupting the logistics and funding networks that support terrorist groups, describing these resources as the “oxygen” that fuels insurgent activities. According to Musa, cutting off these vital supplies has weakened the insurgency and contributed to the large-scale surrender of fighters.

“Many of the security challenges we face today stem from issues of fairness, equity, justice, and accountability,” General Musa said. “There cannot be peace without these fundamental principles. Our operations, which combine both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches, have achieved considerable success, and I want to particularly thank the National Security Adviser for his unwavering support in this effort.”

The CDS noted that while military action (kinetic operations) remains a critical part of the strategy, it constitutes less than 30% of the overall approach. The remaining 70% involves non-kinetic efforts, which aim to address the root causes of insurgency, including poverty and social inequality. “Democracy must deliver tangible benefits to the people, otherwise, it will breed discontent,” Musa said. “People cannot be expected to feel secure if they are hungry or struggling to feed their children.”

In addition, General Musa discussed the challenge of tackling the issue of informants who aid insurgents by providing crucial logistical support. He stressed that addressing the flow of funding and supplies to terrorists is key to undermining their operations. “When we cut off their logistics, when we deny them their ‘oxygen,’ they will not survive,” he stated, pointing to the significant number of insurgents who have surrendered as evidence of the effectiveness of this strategy.

As the theatre commander in the Northeast, Musa acknowledged the continuous innovation required to counter the insurgency, particularly in dealing with the threat posed by improvised explosive devices (IEDs). “Fighting this insurgency requires creativity,” he said. “The enemy is relentless, and so must we be in our strategies.”

The CDS also emphasized the importance of communication, noting that the asymmetrical nature of the conflict means perceptions of the military’s efforts are just as crucial as the actions themselves. “If you’re not communicating effectively, you may be doing the right thing, but the perception of your actions can be very different,” he warned. He also called for greater cooperation with Nigeria’s international partners, particularly its neighboring countries, as the security situation in the region is interconnected.

National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, in his address, highlighted the significance of the symposium as a platform for enhancing collaboration between military, law enforcement, and justice institutions. Ribadu underscored the need for a unified approach to protecting civilians, promoting accountability, and addressing the threat of IEDs.

“The symposium is an opportunity to analyze the successes, challenges, and opportunities within our security and justice frameworks,” Ribadu said. “Our collective efforts will chart a course toward a safer and more just society.”

British High Commissioner Richard Montgomery also praised Nigeria’s efforts in balancing military action with respect for human rights and the rule of law. He emphasized the importance of these principles in tackling security challenges, particularly in conflict zones. The British diplomat noted that while implementing human rights in conflict situations is complex, the UK is committed to supporting Nigeria’s security efforts through dialogue and partnership.

“At the heart of our partnership is the recognition of the importance of human rights, humanitarian law, and the rule of law,” Montgomery said. “These principles are vital as we work together to address the challenges of violent conflict, and we are committed to supporting Nigeria in its efforts to ensure security and justice for all.”

The symposium, which brought together key stakeholders from military, law enforcement, legal, and civil society sectors, served as a crucial step in strengthening Nigeria’s security and justice systems and promoting a more unified approach to tackling terrorism and insurgency.

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