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Over 200,000 terrorists surrender in Nigeria as military go after informants, block logistics supply
General Christopher Musa, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, on Tuesday, said going after terrorists’ informants and logistics supply has resulted in almost 200,000 insurgents surrendering to the military.
He described informants, funding and logistics supply as the lifeblood of insurgency, saying that if they were effectively tackled, terrorism would be defeated.
Speaking at a two-day Security and Justice Symposium organised by the National Counter-terrorism Centre, Musa specifically described informants and logistics supplies to terrorists as oxygen to terrorism that must be cut off to end the menace.
“You have to be creative to fight this insurgency, because they are not relenting,” he said. “The issue of informants; we have to look at how we tackle this issue of informants. Because these are the people who have created the issue; those supporting the terrorists by giving them logistics, we have to look for the oxygen.
“Where is the funding? How are they getting the logistics across? As the theatre commander in the North-East, we found out that if we can deny them this logistics, this oxygen, they will not survive. We did that, and that’s why you have almost 200,000 that have surrendered.
“So, I think if we replicate that all over, we will have very good results. It is also very important that we work together as a team. All security agencies.”
The CDS said the country’s security challenges could better be addressed by ensuring that every citizen had a sense of belonging, adding that the use of Improvised Explosives Devices by terrorists remained a major challenge in the counter-insurgency war.
He said, “All the challenges we are facing today have to do with justice, securing peace, ensuring justice, protection, conduct, and accountability. There will not be peace if there is no fairness, equity, and justice anywhere in any society.
“For us in the Armed Forces during our operations, the challenges we are facing, IEDs. IEDs have been the major challenge since the beginning of the insurgency. So we are looking at aspects of how we handle this, what solutions, and what new things we can do.”
Musa also said to win the war the military must be sensitised and communicate with the citizens.
He said, “We cannot do it alone without the public. So the citizens must be sensitised, and that comes about the issue of strategic communication.
“I have observed that with asymmetrical challenges we are facing if you don’t communicate, you might be doing the right thing, but the perception might be different. And the enemy is working on that. So it’s important that we get that part.
“And we cannot work in isolation as a country. We need our international partners working together with us. Our neighbours are also very relevant to us.”
The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, said the symposium was a vital platform for dialogue and collaboration among security and justice institutions with the objective “to delve into the successes, challenges, and opportunities for growth within the realms of security and justice.”
According to the NSA, the symposium provided an avenue to review and map existing frameworks, evaluate institutional practices, establish collaborative mechanisms, and chart a course towards a safer and more just society for all.
Ribadu said, “As we embark on this journey of critical analysis and discussion, let us keep in mind the noble goals set before us, from analysing and strengthening the intricate relationship between military operations and law enforcement to enhancing the protection of civilians (very important) and fostering a culture of justice and accountability to promoting a unified approach in countering improvised explosive devices.
“Each objective is poised to make a significant impact. Our intended achievements are ambitious, of course, yet entirely within our reach.”
The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, emphasised that security challenges in Nigeria and across the African continent were complex and, hence, required a multifaceted approach.
He commended the Nigerian government for prioritising both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches in fighting terrorism.
He said, “I am delighted to hear General Musa talk about the nexus between civil and military collaboration, between kinetic and non-kinetic action, and this is an area where we have seen some really important lessons for us emerge from the Nigerian security architecture and Nigeria’s leadership today, and it’s inspiring to be working along with them.”
Solomon Odeniyi
The PUNCH journalist, Solomon, has five years experience covering crime, judiciary and defence beats.
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Strong indications has emerged that the use of a generator in a poorly ventilated environment may have caused the death of some students of the University of Nigeria, Nssuka.
The suspicion emerged after a survivor of the incident disclosed that a generator was operating outside the corridor of the apartment where they gathered, while the doors and windows remained shut.
According to the 24-year-old survivor, an Art Education student, about 10 people attended the party organised by his friend, David, to celebrate the completion of his final examinations.
The gathering reportedly started around 11:30 a.m. at the host’s residence in the Hilltop area of Nsukka, with participants sharing alcoholic drinks and playing Truth or Dare.
Recounting his experience, the survivor said he suddenly lost consciousness after helping one of the participants who had vomited and returning to clean the floor.
He disclosed that his legs had become stiff and he could no longer walk before eventually passing out. The student said he regained consciousness at about 9 p.m., only to discover that his friends were lying motionless on the floor.
“When I regained consciousness at about 9 p.m., I heard someone saying that the host was shaking. I woke up and managed to look into the parlour, where I saw the host and other participants lying on the floor,” he recounted.
He said he subsequently contacted friends for assistance, before one of them eventually helped convey the affected students to Bishop Shanahan Hospital and other medical facilities in Nsukka.
The survivor further explained that the apartment was poorly ventilated, with the doors and windows shut, while a generator was running outside in the corridor. A fan was also operating inside the room.
Nigerian singer, Darlington Okoye popularly known as Speed Darlington, has apologised to Grammy-winning musician, Damini Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy, asking him to withdraw the charges against him and promising to stop making comments about his sexuality.
Speed Darlington made the appeal in a video posted on his Instagram page on Thursday, in which he expressed regret over the pain and embarrassment he might have caused the singer.
“This video is for Burna Boy. Burna, this is an apology video. I apologise for any pain that I have caused you. Any shame that I have caused you,” he said.
The singer admitted that he was wrong to assume that everyone had the same temperament, adding that he wanted an end to their disagreement.
“I made the mistake of thinking that everybody vibrates at the same frequency. That’s wrong of me. I apologise, Burna Boy,” he added.
He further pledged to refrain from making both direct and indirect comments about Burna Boy’s sexuality, making the withdrawal of the charges a condition for his promise.
“I give you my word that if you withdraw all charges and let everything die, I give you my word that I will never make any direct comment regarding your sexuality. “Even indirect comment. I will no longer try sustain. I give you my word. Let peace reign,” he said.
Speed Darlington also promised not to mention the singer’s name again if the legal dispute was resolved.
“I promise I will never use my mouth to mention your name,” he added.
Yinusa Tanko, former national coordinator of the Obidient Movement, says he experienced a betrayal of trust and loyalty in Peter Obi’s camp, which led to his exit from the movement.
Tanko spoke on Thursday shortly after his unveiling as the coordinator of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential campaign council.
Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Party (NDP), appointed Tanko as national coordinator of the Obidient Movement in September 2024, following a consensus to zone the position to the north.
He was later redeployed as Obi’s political adviser (north), a position he held until October 30, when he resigned.
However, Tanko said he never wanted to leave Obi’s camp, insisting that he was pushed out rather than choosing to exit the movement.
Tanko said although he appreciated the opportunity to serve Obi, he could not remain in a political group where his contributions were no longer valued.
“Well, you know, as you move along in politics, there may be a time when your group does not want you, does not need you or does not appreciate what you do,” he said.
“You don’t stay where you are being tolerated; you go where you are appreciated.
“As far as I’m concerned, I appreciate all the work I have done, and I appreciate him for giving me the opportunity. But the only thing I have suffered in that particular movement is betrayal of trust and betrayal of loyalty.”
Tanko said he served the former Anambra governor with diligence, honesty and integrity, adding that he still held him in high regard despite the circumstances surrounding his departure.
“Everybody knows that I have served with diligence, determination, honesty and integrity. That was how I served Peter Obi, and I continue to respect him,” he said.
“But now, since they don’t want me, people who appreciate me have picked me from the dustbin and made me a bride.”
Asked whether Obi would be pleased to see him in another political party, Tanko said he could not determine what was on the former governor’s mind.
“You cannot say what is on his mind; only he can speak for himself,” he said.
He added that his new political associates had recognised his contributions to nation-building and offered him another opportunity to serve.
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