“We’ve Weakened Operational Capacity of Terrorists” — Defence Minister, Gen. Christopher Musa

Defence Minister Gen. Christopher Musa says the operational capacity of terrorists, bandits, and criminal elements has been significantly reduced across multiple theatres. Speaking at the COAS Annual Conference 2025 in Lagos, he credited troops’ courage, improved planning, and coordinated joint operations for the gains.

Musa stressed that no single agency can tackle Nigeria’s security challenges alone, highlighting the need for intelligence sharing, joint planning, and inter-agency collaboration. He described the conference as vital for reviewing operational readiness, professionalism, and aligning Army strategies with national security priorities amid terrorism, insurgency, banditry, and transnational crime.

He reaffirmed that security is central to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, pledging continued strategic direction, capability development, and accountability frameworks. Musa honoured fallen and wounded personnel, promising unwavering support for their welfare. He also commended COAS Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu for leadership and urged innovative strategies to defeat threats.

Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu praised the Army’s intelligence-led, adaptive, and professional approach, noting ongoing modernisation, restructuring, and training reforms to meet evolving security demands.