Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has stated that the administration of President Bola Tinubu has achieved between 65 and 70 per cent success in the fight against terrorism, insecurity, and other national security threats since assuming office.
Speaking during an interview on ARISE TV on Friday to mark Tinubu’s third anniversary in office, the retired general said the country had witnessed a major decline in terrorism activities, noting that what remains are mostly isolated incidents targeting vulnerable civilians.
“We’ll give 65 to 70 per cent performance in the fight against terrorism and insecurity. Yes. 65 to 70%. No nation is totally free from crime and criminality,” Musa said.
According to him, organised terrorist activities across the country have been significantly weakened, with many attacks now limited to smaller-scale operations such as kidnappings carried out by criminal groups seeking relevance and financial gain.
“I’m sure you are aware that the level of terrorism across the country has actually drastically reduced. Now we have isolated acts of terrorism, and like I said, it is a social vice, a failure of family values,” he added.
The defence minister described kidnapping as more of a societal and moral crisis than solely a security challenge, blaming the trend on the erosion of family values and increasing desperation among some citizens.
“We have fathers kidnapping children, children kidnapping each other, brothers kidnapping sisters. It tells you that something is wrong with the family, and we need to look inward to see how we can develop those aspects,” he stated.
Musa further argued that many individuals involved in kidnapping and related crimes were motivated by greed and the desire for quick wealth rather than legitimate means of livelihood.
“People need to understand that to make money, you must work very hard. Don’t look for shortcuts. Most of those taking part in kidnappings and related crimes are looking for shortcuts,” he said.
The minister also highlighted what he described as improved operational capabilities by the Nigerian military and security agencies, citing the recent elimination of a deputy ISIS commander as evidence of progress in counter-terrorism operations.
“The recent killing of that deputy ISIS commander was a painstaking operation that began since last year. We followed through, ensured we were certain of our target, and when we struck, we got them. That is what we are doing,” he explained.
He commended Nigerians for providing greater cooperation and intelligence support to security agencies, describing public collaboration as a major advantage in ongoing military operations.
“The level of support we’re getting is far better than it used to be, and we’re making more inroads. Nigerians are working with us, and I want to appreciate them,” he said.
Musa also disclosed that Nigeria has strengthened security partnerships with countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Brazil, and Turkey to improve intelligence sharing, training, and access to advanced security platforms.
“We are working with our partners, the Americans, the British, and the French; all of them want Nigeria to succeed. They are bringing platforms we don’t have, and we are working together,” he stated.
Warning about the dangers of allowing terrorism to become entrenched, the defence minister referenced Turkey’s prolonged battle against insurgency as a lesson for Nigeria.
“Do not allow asymmetric warfare to commence. Do not allow acts of terrorism to take root; it is extremely difficult to reverse,” he warned.
“Look at Turkey. It took them 40 years, and it is only now that they are getting over it. We are learning from them, partnering with them, developing our special forces, and getting experience.”
He added that Nigeria’s collaboration with Turkey, France, and Brazil remains part of broader efforts aimed at strengthening the country’s counter-terrorism strategy.
The minister’s remarks come amid continued concerns over insecurity in parts of the country, especially after a recent report by Amnesty International revealed that at least 1,100 people were abducted between January and April 2026.
