Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged caution over recent gains recorded in Nigeria’s fight against insurgency, warning that progress should not be mistaken for complete victory over terrorism.
Shettima, represented by his Special Adviser on General Duties, Dr. Aliyu Modibbo, made the remarks during the launch of a two-volume publication titled Counterterrorism and Counterinsurgency Operations in North East Nigeria, authored by retired Major General Ibrahim Yusuf.
He stressed that Nigeria’s ongoing security challenges should be seen as a test of national resilience rather than a sign of weakness, noting that citizens have continued to demonstrate courage in the face of persistent threats.
While acknowledging improvements in degrading terrorist capabilities, he emphasized that the fight against terrorism requires sustained vigilance, adaptability, and stronger collaboration among all security stakeholders.
The Vice President also highlighted that military action alone is not sufficient to end insurgency, calling for a broader strategy that includes intelligence gathering, technological advancement, diplomacy, community involvement, and development-focused interventions.
He praised the efforts and sacrifices of the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies, humanitarian workers, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and civilians who continue to support stabilization efforts in affected regions.
Military leaders at the event also contributed perspectives, with the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, describing the publication as a valuable contribution to military learning and operational strategy, particularly in the areas of intelligence-led operations and inter-agency coordination.
The author, Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim Yusuf (retd), said the work was developed over several years to provide insights from field experience while avoiding sensitive operational details that could affect ongoing missions.
Despite government claims of progress in the North-East, concerns remain among citizens over continued attacks and insecurity in some regions, fueling ongoing debate about the true state of the counterinsurgency campaign.
