The Ministry of Defence, in conjunction with Nigeria's military hierarchy, has commenced a comprehensive review of its anti-terror strategy across all theatres of operation, Defence Minister General Christopher Musa announced on Wednesday, assuring Nigerians that the Armed Forces remain "on top of their game."
The announcement, the first major policy direction since Musa assumed office as defence minister in December, coincides with calls from both chambers of the National Assembly for security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering and joint operations to dismantle terror networks nationwide.
Following a strategy meeting with Service Chiefs—including Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu (Army), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas (Navy), and Air Marshal Sunday Aneke (Air Force)—Musa acknowledged recent casualties in the Northeast while emphasizing that terrorists have suffered heavier losses.
"We are aware that we have suffered some casualties, but I can tell you the terrorists and bandits are taking more.
We are taking more terrorist commanders out, we're taking more of their assets out, and we will continue to do that," he stated.
The minister urged Nigerians not to be discouraged by what he termed "misinformation circulating on social media," warning that false narratives could undermine troops' morale.
"The Armed Forces are on top of their game, and we are putting in every effort to ensure the country is secure.
This challenge is a Nigerian challenge; it is not only the Armed Forces' challenge. Other security agencies are also working in synergy with us," Musa added.
In a stern warning to those providing logistics or intelligence to terrorists, the minister declared: "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."
Meanwhile, the Senate observed a minute of silence in honour of soldiers, including Lt. Col. Umar Farouk, who lost their lives in recent attacks.
Senator Mohammed Monguno, who moved the motion, warned that recent coordinated assaults on military formations signal a troubling resurgence of insurgency in the Northeast despite ongoing operations under Operation Hadin Kai.
In the House of Representatives, members called for joint security operations to dismantle criminal camps operating in forests around the Ekiti–Kogi–Kwara border axis, following a motion by House Spokesman Akintunde Rotimi.
Lawmakers directed relevant committees to engage with security agencies and strengthen intelligence-gathering in affected communities.
The Defence Minister congratulated newly appointed Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu, assuring him of the military's readiness to strengthen collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force to tackle insecurity nationwide.
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