The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (Rtd), has declared that Nigeria has defeated terrorism, insisting that terrorist attacks are no longer as rampant or brazen as they used to be.
Musa made the statement during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday while speaking about the country’s security situation.
Asked whether terrorists had been defeated or merely displaced, the Defence Minister said, “Frankly speaking we have defeated t+rrorists because now, like I said, the att@cks are not as rampant and it is now to k+dnapping.”
He added, “I can tell you there is improved security. Maybe if you noticed, you don’t hear so much of Boko Haram att@cks, ISWAP att@cks and all these things here and there, maybe one off.”
According to Musa, the security situation follows a downward trajectory from criminality to kidnapping, terrorism and insurgency whenever security forces successfully target those behind the attacks.
“Now I say, the trajectory is this, from criminality to k+dnapping to t+rrorism, insurgency once you are able to hit them it goes back downwards and so we are now back into the stage of abd¥ctions and k+dnappings because that is the easiest way for them to try and raise money,” he said.
The minister also said troops were entering terrorists’ enclaves and rescuing many abducted persons.
Speaking about his role in the APC presidential campaign team, Musa maintained that his duties as Defence Minister would remain non-partisan.
“I am a professional, I will never succumb to that level being partisan against opposition. Nigeria is my unit, whatever it takes to protect Nigeria that is what we stand for.”
Musa also urged state governors to stop distributing motorcycles as palliatives, warning that the motorcycles could eventually end up in the hands of terrorists.
“We try to appeal to any governor to stop giving out motorcycles as palliatives because these motorcycles are still the same ones that will end up with these t+rrorists,” he said.
He further stressed the importance of effective local government administration, saying the failure of local governments to function properly contributes to insecurity.
The minister’s claim that terrorism has been defeated has since sparked mixed reactions online, with some Nigerians questioning the statement while others agreed that terrorist attacks have reduced.
@Man Of Vawulence: Attacks are no longer rampart or the government have told the sponsors to calm down Abit?
@Adeyinka Sheriff: See mumu bokoharam AR on 2 months break das why oo
@Samuel Chukwuebuka: Zuzuwe
@Lawrence Enogela Adeyi: I don’t believe,this is the words of rtd general musa,that is politics
@Akuson Yarison G Isfason: Will you keep quiet
@JayPee Majik: una don start again
@Benne Amagbein Selekeolotu: It’s true terrorist has reduced recently thank you very much sir for your hard work for saving the lives of Nigeria
@Obinna Wizpep: After election we know watin go sup
@Osemundiamen God’spower: Can’t believe I rotted for this man
