The Minister of Defence, retired General Christopher Musa, has said that the operational capabilities of terrorist groups, bandits, and other criminal networks have been significantly reduced across various theatres of operation in the country.
Musa made the statement on Monday, December 15, during the 2025 Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Annual Conference held at Nebo Hall, Abalti Barracks, Lagos State.
According to the minister, the achievements recorded so far are a result of the bravery of Nigerian troops, improved planning and execution, and the increasing effectiveness of coordinated joint and multi-agency operations.
He stressed that contemporary security challenges cannot be tackled by any single service or institution acting alone, noting that lasting success depends on unity of effort, joint operations, intelligence sharing, coordinated planning, and close collaboration among security agencies. He added that while pursuing operational success, the human aspect of military service must always remain a priority.
Musa described the COAS Annual Conference as a crucial strategic platform for the Nigerian Army to evaluate its operational posture, measure readiness and professionalism, and align future strategies with national security objectives.
He noted that the conference was especially significant given Nigeria’s increasingly complex security landscape, marked by terrorism, insurgency, banditry, transnational crime, and other asymmetric threats that require sustained strategic focus, adaptive leadership, and clear purpose.
The minister reaffirmed that security remains a core component of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, assuring that the Ministry of Defence would continue to provide strategic guidance, policy backing, and capability development to keep the Armed Forces of Nigeria professional, responsive, and prepared for future challenges. He added that institutional frameworks promoting accountability and effectiveness would also be strengthened.
Musa paid tribute to fallen military personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of the nation, acknowledging that their bravery continues to inspire the armed forces. He also recognized the families of the late former COAS, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, Brig.-Gen. Uba, and other personnel who have paid dearly in the line of duty.
He further acknowledged wounded personnel and their families, emphasizing that their welfare, medical care, and long-term support remain a sacred responsibility that must be upheld without compromise.
Commending the current COAS, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, Musa praised his extensive operational experience, particularly in the North-East, and the leadership he continues to provide. He, however, urged continuous innovation, proactive thinking, and the development of new strategies to decisively defeat enemies of the state.
Also speaking at the event, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said sustainable development is impossible without security, just as security cannot be achieved without a disciplined, capable, and professional military.
The governor noted that the Nigerian Army now operates in an environment shaped by complex and evolving threats, including terrorism, insurgency, banditry, transnational crime, and other non-traditional security challenges. He said addressing these threats requires intelligence-driven operations, adaptability, and strong inter-agency cooperation.
Sanwo-Olu expressed satisfaction with the Army’s ongoing restructuring and modernization efforts, citing the introduction of new platforms, improved training doctrines, and a renewed focus on professionalism as signs of progress toward a modern, constitutionally guided force.
He also commended the COAS for providing purposeful leadership and strategic direction in strengthening the Army’s operational effectiveness and institutional development. The governor further praised Headquarters 81 Division of the Nigerian Army for its significant contribution to peace and stability in Lagos State through sustained operations, joint security initiatives, and strong civil-military relations, noting that the partnership remains highly valued by his administration.
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