The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) to restoring lasting peace and improving security across Northern Nigeria.
Gen. Musa made this known on Tuesday during a two-day interactive session on Government–Citizens Engagement organised by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation in Kaduna.
The remarks were contained in a statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, in Abuja.
The session served as a platform to evaluate the government’s ongoing security efforts under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
Key Security Achievements Since 2023
The CDS highlighted several major milestones recorded by the Armed Forces since 2023, including:
The establishment of the Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre in Abuja.
The creation of a Department of Training at Defence Headquarters to improve preparedness and efficiency in joint operations.
The graduation of over 800 Special Forces operatives, with ongoing training for others in Jaji and Nasarawa to confront asymmetric threats.
He noted that the military had restructured operations in the North-West under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, which included the formation of Special Forces Brigades in Kaduna and Niger States.
Operations HADIN KAI and FANSAN YAMMA have also seen the creation of additional sectors, the expansion of Forward Operating Bases, and the deployment of high-readiness units to vulnerable areas.
Operational Gains and Recoveries
According to Gen. Musa:
Over 3,000 terrorists and bandits have been neutralised in the last two years.
More than 120,000 insurgents have surrendered.
About 2,000 kidnapped victims have been rescued.
The military has recovered over 2,300 arms and 72,000 rounds of ammunition from various theatres of operation.
Beyond Combat: Peacebuilding and Development
The CDS emphasised the military’s role in community engagement and peacebuilding, through:
Community sports programmes, public reorientation campaigns, and engagements with traditional leaders, governors, and civil society organisations.
Initiatives that have fostered trust, encouraged displaced persons to return home, and promoted social stability.
He added that the Armed Forces were also contributing to economic development, particularly in the North-East and North-West, by:
Establishing ranches, schools, and ICT training centres to empower local communities.
Gen. Musa commended domestic defence institutions such as the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) and the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) for their expanding roles in logistics, training, and defence innovation.
Upcoming Defence Conference
He also announced that Nigeria will host the African Chiefs of Defence Conference from August 25 to 27 in Abuja.
“This conference will provide an opportunity to strengthen regional dialogue and security cooperation across the continent,” he stated.
