By Bavoriat Clara
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has reaffirmed the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s (AFN) unwavering commitment to restoring peace and security in Northern Nigeria, revealing that over 3,000 terrorists have been neutralized, more than 120,000 insurgents have surrendered, and over 2,000 kidnapped victims have been rescued in the past two years.
General Musa made this known during a presentation at a two-day interactive session on Government-Citizens Engagement, organized by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation in Kaduna.
According to a statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the CDS described the event as a timely opportunity to assess government performance, particularly in the area of security.
He outlined several major accomplishments by the military under his leadership, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s strategic security objectives.Among the key milestones mentioned were the establishment of the Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre in Abuja and the creation of a dedicated Department of Training at Defence Headquarters, initiatives that have significantly enhanced the effectiveness of joint operations and personnel preparedness.
General Musa also noted the graduation of over 800 Special Forces operatives, with hundreds more undergoing advanced training in Jaji and Nasarawa, designed specifically to tackle asymmetric threats. He said these steps are part of a broader effort to bolster security in Nigeria’s most vulnerable regions.
He further announced the restructuring of operations in the North-West into a single unified joint task force—Operation FANSAN YAMMA along with the creation of Defence Special Forces Brigades in Kaduna and Niger States.
He also pointed to the expansion of sectors under Operations HADIN KAI and FANSAN YAMMA, the establishment of Forward Operating Bases, and the deployment of high-readiness units as critical developments in retaking control of volatile areas.
Providing concrete figures, the CDS said that over 3,000 terrorists and bandits have been eliminated, more than 120,000 insurgents have laid down their arms, and over 2,000 kidnapped persons have been successfully rescued. He also disclosed the recovery of more than 2,300 firearms and 72,000 rounds of ammunition across various theatres of operation.
Beyond kinetic actions, General Musa emphasized the military’s peacebuilding initiatives, which include community sports tournaments, public reorientation campaigns, and continuous engagement with traditional leaders, state governors, and civil society organizations. These efforts, he said, have helped rebuild public trust and facilitated the return of displaced citizens to their communities.
He further highlighted the Armed Forces’ role in supporting economic empowerment through the establishment of ranches, schools, and ICT-based training centres particularly in the North-East and North-West, in line with the Federal Government’s local content policy.
The CDS commended the growing roles of local defence manufacturers such as the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) and the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) in enhancing military innovation and logistics.
On regional collaboration, General Musa spoke about his 2024 visit to Niger Republic, where he engaged in high-level talks with his counterpart on managing cross-border threats and strengthening regional peace.
General Musa concluded by announcing that Nigeria will host the African Chiefs of Defence Conference from August 25–27, 2025, in Abuja, aimed at deepening continental dialogue and fostering strategic cooperation on security challenges across Africa.
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