The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, thas restated the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) to restoring peace and enhancing security in Northern Nigeria. He made this known during a presentation at the 2-day interactive session on Government–Citizens Engagement organized by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation in Kaduna.
Addressing a cross-section of leaders, scholars, and civil society representatives, General Musa described the session as timely, serving as a platform to assess the administration’s performance, particularly in the security sector. He highlighted several key military achievements recorded since assuming office in 2023, in line with President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s strategic security directives.
Among the major highlights were the establishment of the Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre in Abuja, and the creation of a dedicated Department of Training at Defence Headquarters, both of which have strengthened joint operations and personnel preparedness.
The CDS also noted the graduation of over 800 Special Forces operatives, with hundreds more undergoing training in Jaji and Nasarawa, tailored to address asymmetric threats in the North as parts of these achievements.
General Musa also emphasized the restructuring of operations in the North-West into Operation FANSAN YAMMA, a unified joint task force, along with the establishment of Defence Special Forces Brigades in Kaduna and Niger States, and additional sectors under Operations HADIN KAI and FANSAN YAMMA. The expansion of Forward Operating Bases and deployment of high-readiness units were also cited as critical moves in regaining control of volatile areas.
The Defence Chief further maintained that over 3,000 terrorists and bandits have been neutralized, over 120,000 insurgents have surrendered, and more than 2,000 kidnapped victims have been rescued in the last two years. He also announced the recovery of over 2,300 arms and 72,000 rounds of ammunition across theatres of operation in the North.
Beyond combat efforts, the CDS highlighted peacebuilding measures such as community sports competitions, reorientation campaigns, and strategic engagement with traditional leaders, governors, and civil society. He said these initiatives have helped foster trust and supported the return of displaced persons to their communities.
He further disclosed the Armed Forces’ contribution to economic empowerment through the establishment of ranches, schools, and ICT-based training centres, especially in the North-East and North-West, while aligning with the Federal Government’s local content policy. The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), AFIT, and other local defence manufacturers were also acknowledged for their growing role in military logistics and innovation.
Speaking on regional diplomacy, General Musa spoke about his official visit to Niger Republic in August 2024, where he held security discussions with his counterpart in a bid to manage cross-border threats and support peace in the sub-region. Further more, he announced Nigeria’s hosting of the African Chiefs of Defence Conference from 25–27 August 2025 in Abuja, which aims to foster continental dialogue and cooperation on security matters.
