The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa, says that the operational capacity of terrorist groups, bandits, and other criminal elements has been significantly degraded across multiple theatres.
Musa said this at the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Annual Conference 2025, which was held on Monday at Nebo Hall, Abalti Barracks, Lagos State.
The minister said that the gains reflected the courage of troops, improved planning and execution, as well as the growing impact of coordinated operations conducted within a joint and multi-agency framework.
“The reality remains that no single service, institution, or individual can address today’s security challenges alone.
“Success can only be sustained through unity of effort, joint operations, intelligence sharing, coordinated planning, and close collaboration among security agencies.
“As we pursue operational success, we must never lose sight of the human dimension of military service,” he said.
Musa said that the conference remained a vital strategic forum for the Nigerian Army to review its operational posture, assess its readiness and professionalism, and align its future direction with national security priorities.
“The importance of this conference cannot be overstated, particularly in light of the complex and evolving security environment confronting our nation.
“Nigeria continues to face a combination of terrorism, insurgency, banditry, transnational crime, and other asymmetric threats that demand sustained strategic focus, clarity of purpose, and adaptive leadership,” he said.
The minister said that security remained a central pillar of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
“Accordingly, the Ministry of Defence will continue to provide strategic direction, policy support, and capability development to ensure that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain professional, responsive, and future-ready.
“The ministry will also strengthen institutional frameworks that promote accountability and effectiveness,” he said.
Musa honoured the memory of gallant personnel who paid the supreme sacrifice in defence of the nation and whose courage continued to inspire collective resolve.
He was particularly pleased to acknowledge the family of the late former COAS, Lt.-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, as well as Brig.-Gen. Uba and all personnel who had made sacrifices in the line of duty.
“In addition, we recognise our wounded personnel and the families who bear the enduring physical, emotional, and psychological costs of service.
“Their welfare, medical care, and long-term support remain a sacred obligation that must be upheld without compromise,” the minister said.
Musa commended the COAS, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, for his vast operational experience, particularly in the North-East, and for the leadership he continued to provide.
“However, experience alone is not enough; we must continually ask ourselves what more can be done differently to decisively defeat enemies of the state.
“We must evolve new strategies and remain proactive, innovative, and resolute,” the minister said.
The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said that there could be no enduring progress without security and no security without a capable, disciplined, and professional military.
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