Nigeria's Defence Minister Declares Victory Over Terrorism

General Christopher Musa (Rtd.), the Minister of Defence, asserted during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today that security operatives in Nigeria have defeated terrorists, indicating a shift in criminal activities towards kidnapping. Musa claimed that terrorist attacks are no longer as frequent or severe as they once were, stating, “Frankly speaking we have defeated terrorists because now... the attacks are not as rampant and it is now kidnapping.” He emphasized that kidnapping has become a prevalent social issue, with instances of family members abducting each other for financial gain.

Musa credited the improved security situation to the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, noting that reports of Boko Haram and ISWAP attacks have significantly decreased. He mentioned that troops are actively recovering abducted individuals from terrorist enclaves, suggesting a positive trajectory in the fight against terrorism and a transition from insurgency to kidnapping as the primary concern.