The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, shared that the key to nearly 200,000 terrorists surrendering was cutting off their informants and supply routes. He emphasized the importance of addressing these issues to defeat terrorism effectively. By targeting the sources of funding and logistics, the military was able to weaken the terrorists’ capabilities significantly. Gen. Musa stressed the need for a united effort from all security agencies to tackle these challenges successfully.
During a Security and Justice Symposium, organized by the National Counter-terrorism Centre, Gen. Musa highlighted the role of informants and logistics in sustaining terrorism. He compared them to oxygen for terrorists, stating that by depriving them of these resources, their ability to operate was severely hampered. This approach led to a large number of insurgents surrendering to the military, showing the effectiveness of disrupting their support networks.
In addition to targeting informants and supply routes, Gen. Musa mentioned the use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) as a major challenge in the fight against insurgency. Finding innovative solutions to tackle this threat was crucial for the success of military operations. He emphasized the importance of strategic communication and collaboration with the public to counter asymmetrical challenges effectively.
The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, underscored the significance of the symposium in fostering dialogue and collaboration among security and justice institutions. The event aimed to evaluate existing frameworks, enhance institutional practices, and promote a safer and more just society. By analyzing the relationship between military operations and law enforcement, improving civilian protection, and countering IEDs, the participants sought to achieve ambitious yet attainable goals.
British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, acknowledged the complexity of security challenges in Nigeria and Africa, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach. He praised the Nigerian government’s efforts in combining both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to combat terrorism. Collaboration between civil and military entities, as well as a unified approach to security, were highlighted as essential components of an effective counter-terrorism strategy.
The symposium provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss successes, challenges, and opportunities in the security and justice sectors. By fostering cooperation among various agencies and promoting a culture of accountability and transparency, the participants aimed to strengthen the nation’s security architecture. The insights shared during the event highlighted the importance of a holistic and collaborative approach to addressing security threats effectively.