Minister of Defence Christopher Musa has reassured Nigerians not to lose hope in the country’s fight against terrorism following a security briefing with President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The briefing came after a closed-door meeting on Thursday between the President and top security officials, including service chiefs and the newly appointed Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu.
The meeting followed a wave of attacks on security personnel and military formations across the country, including a deadly assault on Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area, Borno State, by suspected Boko Haram insurgents.
Speaking to journalists after the session, General Musa said the meeting aimed to update the President on the current security situation and clarify developments surrounding recent attacks. He emphasized that despite the violence, security forces have inflicted significant losses on terrorist groups.
“Our appeal to Nigerians is not to get discouraged. While news reports may focus on attacks, security forces are actively weakening terrorists. Their commanders are being killed. Unfortunately, we have lost courageous officers and men, which is deeply regrettable, but we remain committed to ensuring Nigeria is safe and secure,” he said.
General Musa added that public perceptions often do not capture the full realities of military operations and commended the President for his ongoing support for the armed forces. He also disclosed that additional military equipment has been approved to strengthen ongoing operations.
“The President has promised more resources to help us prosecute the war, and we are confident of success. War comes in phases, and we are adjusting strategies as needed. Recent operations have resulted in the capture of locations, elimination of enemy commanders, and seizure of their assets,” he said.
The Ngoshe attack reportedly began on the evening of March 3, when armed fighters overran a military base, set it ablaze, and attacked homes and shops across the community. The assault resulted in heavy casualties, including soldiers, community leaders, and residents. Hundreds, mostly women and children, were reportedly abducted and taken towards the Mandara Mountains.
The incident has renewed concerns over the safety of resettled communities in the region, as Ngoshe had been among areas recently returned to by displaced residents. Following the attack, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum visited survivors in Pulka, promising emergency food aid and intensified efforts to rescue abducted residents.
President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima condemned the attack, assuring Nigerians that the Federal Government will not allow terrorist groups to occupy any part of the country.
