We Have Defeated Terrorists — Defence Minister Musa Makes Bold Security Claim

The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd.), has declared that Nigerian security forces have defeated terrorists, while noting that kidnapping and abductions have become more prominent security challenges in the country.

Musa made the statement during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he was asked whether Nigeria had truly defeated terrorist groups or merely pushed them into different areas.

The Defence Minister maintained that terrorism had been defeated, arguing that attacks by terrorist groups were no longer occurring with the frequency or boldness previously witnessed.

According to Musa, the country’s security situation has improved under President Bola Tinubu, with attacks linked to Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) now occurring less frequently.

He explained that security forces have intensified operations in areas previously controlled by terrorists and have succeeded in rescuing several abducted victims.

Musa further described kidnapping as a growing social and criminal problem, noting that abductions are increasingly being carried out as a means of raising funds.

He said the security situation had followed a downward trajectory from terrorism and insurgency to criminality and kidnapping, suggesting that the reduced capacity of terrorist groups had forced them to resort to abductions as an easier source of financing.

The former Chief of Defence Staff stressed that the military and other security agencies would continue their operations against criminal and terrorist elements as efforts to improve security across the country continue.