Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, emphasized that the country cannot combat terrorism solely through military means, highlighting that sustainable peace necessitates a collaborative effort from the government, communities, and security agencies.
During a public forum on AriseNews, Musa noted that the Armed Forces operate under rigorous rules of engagement, allowing the use of lethal force only when there is an immediate threat to their lives, fellow soldiers, or the civilians and property they are protecting.
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“We prepare our troops thoroughly before their deployment, enabling them to distinguish between bandits, terrorists, and civilians.”
He referred to the struggle against insurgency as asymmetric warfare, which poses greater challenges than conventional warfare since terrorists often blend in with civilian populations.
“The enemy is among us—it could be someone you consider a fellow citizen, a brother, or an uncle. This reality complicates the situation significantly.”
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Musa compared Nigeria’s struggles to other nations, noting that Turkey has engaged in conflict with the PKK for over 40 years, illustrating how such battles can span decades. He asserted that military operations represent only a small part of the overall solution.
“No nation can achieve peace through force alone. The kinetic component is only about 25 to 30 percent. The remaining focus must be on dialogue, understanding, and community engagement.”
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He called for enhanced cooperation among traditional leaders, religious figures, local governments, and citizens, stressing that all have crucial roles in addressing insecurity.
Musa also urged Nigeria to tackle structural challenges, such as establishing a reliable national database, reinforcing the legal system, and improving governance. He contended that citizens are more inclined to support security initiatives when they feel well-governed and included in national progress.
