…“President Tinubu has promised more equipment to enable us protect the nation, and we assure Nigerians of victory,” Musa said.
ABUJA, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | President Bola Tinubu has approved the procurement of new equipment for the armed forces and other security agencies to strengthen the fight against terrorism and banditry across the country, the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has disclosed.
Musa briefed State House correspondents after a nearly two-hour security meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday, saying President Tinubu remains committed to providing support for security agencies in their operations against insurgents.
“President Tinubu has promised more equipment to enable us protect the nation, and we assure Nigerians of victory,” Musa said.
However, he did not disclose the type or quantity of equipment approved.
The minister explained that the meeting, the first attended by the new Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, since his appointment was convened to brief President Tinubu on the current security situation following recent attacks on military formations.
“The purpose of the meeting was to review recent developments. We came to brief Mr President on the situation on the ground.
“You know there have been a series of attacks, and the security forces have risen to the occasion,” he said.
Musa noted that the briefing was necessary to ensure the President received accurate updates on ongoing operations, adding that media reports sometimes do not capture the full picture.
“Sometimes interpretations, especially through the media, are not very direct. We felt it was important to set the record straight, which we have done. We are glad Mr President continues to support the armed forces and other security agencies in the fight against insurgency,” he said.
The Defence Minister urged Nigerians not to be discouraged by reports of attacks, insisting that terrorists and bandits were suffering heavier losses than security forces.
“Our appeal to Nigerians is not to be tired or discouraged. Sometimes when you hear the news, you may think that is all that is happening, but it is far from that.
“The terrorists and bandits are taking more casualties. Their commanders are being killed,” he said.
Musa acknowledged that Nigeria had lost several courageous officers and soldiers in recent operations, describing the losses as highly regrettable.
“We have lost some very courageous officers and men. It is highly regrettable, but we want to assure Nigerians of our commitment to ensuring the country remains safe and secure,” he added.
In recent weeks, insurgents have intensified attacks on military positions in Borno State, targeting locations such as Ngoshe, Konduga, Marte, Jakana and Mainok, leading to casualties among security personnel and civilians.
Within the past week, the military also lost at least three commanding officers overseeing forward operations bases amid the surge in attacks on security formations.
The attacks prompted strong reactions from President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, who both vowed to deploy overwhelming force to end the insurgency.
Musa attributed the recent increase in terrorist activities to the Ramadan period, explaining that insurgents believe dying during the holy month would secure them entry into paradise.
“It is common for terrorists during Ramadan. They believe that if they die, they will go to heaven, so they are ready to commit offences or even get killed because they think there is a reward,” he explained.
He added that the military had adjusted its strategies and was recording successes against the terrorists.
“As I said, we have adjusted our strategies. In the past few days, we have taken back those locations, killed some of their commanders and seized their assets. We will continue to do more,” Musa said.
Responding to questions about persistent insecurity despite military efforts, the minister noted that fluctuations are common in warfare but assured that the situation was turning in favour of security forces.
“As I said, it is war, and war has its ups and downs. But Mr President has approved several measures that are coming into effect, and we are working together as a team.
“All members of the security forces are here to assure Nigerians and Mr President that we are on track and will succeed,” he said.
The meeting, which lasted nearly two hours and ended at about 5:10 pm, was attended by service chiefs and heads of security agencies. It was the first such gathering since Disu assumed office as IGP on February 28, 2026.
Those present included the Directors-General of the National Intelligence Agency and Department of State Services, as well as the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu; Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Sunday Aneke; Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Idi Abbas; and Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Undiandeye.
The meeting comes amid heightened security concerns, particularly in Nigeria’s Northeast where insurgent groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province have continued to mount pressure on military positions.
During an Iftar dinner with service chiefs on March 6, President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to defeating terrorism despite the recent attacks in Borno. Vice President Shettima also declared that the government would end the insurgency with overwhelming force.
