Terrorists Suffer Heavier Losses as Troops Intensify Operations Across Nigeria — Defence Minister

Terrorists Suffer Heavier Losses as Troops Intensify Operations Across Nigeria — Defence Minister

Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), on Wednesday said terrorists and bandits operating across the country are suffering heavier losses than government troops as the Nigerian Armed Forces intensify military operations across several conflict zones.

The defence minister gave the assurance after a strategy meeting with service chiefs in Abuja, noting that the meeting reviewed the country’s counter-terrorism strategy across different operational theatres. According to him, the Armed Forces remain fully committed to restoring peace and security nationwide despite recent attacks on military formations in parts of the country.

“We had a quick, short meeting with members of the services to review our strategy in all our theatres within the country. We’re all aware of the issues on the ground, but I want to assure Nigerians that members of the armed forces are working tirelessly to ensure that Nigeria is safe and secure,” Musa said.

The minister acknowledged that the military had suffered casualties in some engagements but insisted that terrorist groups and bandits were recording heavier losses as troops intensify their operations. According to him, the Nigerian military is focusing on eliminating terrorist commanders, destroying their logistics networks, and dismantling operational bases across the country.

“We are aware that we have suffered some casualties, but I can tell you the terrorists and bandits are taking more. We’re taking more commanders out, we’re taking more of their assets out, and we will continue to do that,” he stated.

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Musa also warned that misinformation circulating on social media could undermine the morale of troops and distort public understanding of the security situation. He urged Nigerians not to be discouraged by unverified narratives about the war against terrorism, insisting that the Armed Forces remain firmly in control of ongoing operations.

“We know because of the issue of social media, there are a lot of falsehoods being spread. The Armed Forces are on top of their game and we are putting in every effort to ensure the country is secured,” he said.

The defence minister further appealed to media organisations to exercise caution in reporting security matters, particularly by avoiding the dissemination of terrorist propaganda materials, which he said are often used to promote extremist groups and demoralise security forces.

“Please do not allow your platforms to be used to spread terrorism. When you circulate their videos and messages, you allow them to shine and use them as propaganda against our troops,” he added.

Musa stressed that tackling insecurity in Nigeria requires a collective effort, urging citizens to support security agencies by providing credible intelligence and reporting suspicious activities in their communities.

“This challenge is a Nigerian challenge; it is not only the armed forces’ challenge. Other security agencies are also working in synergy with us,” he said.

He warned individuals who provide information, logistics or any form of assistance to terrorists that they would be treated as accomplices and face the same consequences as the criminals.

“A friend of a thief is always a thief. Those supporting these criminals with information or logistics will be dealt with the same way we deal with the terrorists,” Musa stated.

The minister also congratulated the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, assuring him of the Armed Forces’ readiness to strengthen collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to combat insecurity across the country.

He also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Assembly and state governors for their continued support to the military, expressing confidence that Nigeria would ultimately overcome its security challenges.

“We want to assure Nigerians that they should remain confident and determined. When you see something going wrong, do not hesitate to report it. Action will be taken as quickly as possible,” he added.

The minister’s remarks come amid renewed attacks by insurgent groups linked to Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), particularly in Borno State and surrounding areas.

In recent weeks, terrorists have launched coordinated assaults on several military bases, leading to the deaths of soldiers and commanding officers who paid the supreme price while confronting the attackers.

In one such incident in Katsina State, Captain Paul Hassan and two other soldiers were reportedly killed during an attack by terrorists.

Earlier, on March 3, fighters linked to Boko Haram and ISWAP invaded the resettled community of Ngoshe shortly after residents broke their fast during Ramadan. The insurgents reportedly overwhelmed the military formation with superior firepower, including rocket-propelled grenades, anti-aircraft machine guns and drones.

Security sources said the assault left at least 14 soldiers dead across the Ngoshe and Pulka military bases—nine in Ngoshe and five in Pulka, including a commanding officer.

Despite the attacks, military authorities say counter-terrorism operations have been intensified through coordinated air and ground offensives aimed at dismantling terrorist strongholds and restoring stability in affected regions.

Terrorists Suffer Heavier Losses as Troops Intensify Operations Across Nigeria — Defence Minister