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.

Kindly share this story:

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.

Contact: theeditor@punchng.com

Stay informed and ahead of the curve! Follow The Punch Newspaper on WhatsApp for real-time updates, breaking news, and exclusive content. Don’t miss a headline – join now!

Join The Punch Newspapers Channel
STOP🛑 🚨 Are you ready to unlock your financial future? 💹 Start trading with IQ Options and seize the opportunity to grow your wealth TODAY! 🌟📈 With just a few clicks, you could make smarter moves and achieve more. 💼✨ Act now! Tap here to begin your journey with IQ Option! 🚀💰

Do you love to earn US Dollars as a Nigerian? Premium domains have helped Doctors, Lawyers, Engineers, Bankers, IT Experts, Retirees and others financially. Click here to learn more.

PROFITABLE FOREX, BITCOIN AND BINARY PROFESSIONAL TRADER: Do you require the service of a professional trader who can help you trade your online Forex, Bitcoin and Binary account for 10-20% weekly profit(ROI)?.
For details visit: www.standfx.org, WhatsApp : +2349126666222

Nigerians can now get over 30% returns from trading commodities and investments from their phones. Join over 30,000 Nigerians already using this app. Start here
Food prices are going up, but smart Nigerians are making millions from trading foods and commodities on this app. Start here

Top News
PH refinery begins operation
PH refinery: 200 trucks load daily, 150,000bpd Eleme plant dormant
February 19, 2022
Ajetunmobi
Hunted and executed: Suspended Sanwo-Olu aide’s comments stir probe call
Yahaya Bello
Alleged N110bn fraud: Bello due in court today as ex-gov reports to EFCC
Yemi-Cardoso
Interest rate hike: Labour, OPS project higher inflation, weaker naira
punch footer logo
News
Sports
Metro Plus
Politics
Featured
Latest News
Business
Business & Economy
Opinion
Entertainment
Auto Famous
Barka Da Sallah
Barrier Breakers
Breaking News
Brexit
Columns
Corona
Anti-corruption
Biafra
Boko Haram
Case Review
Court News
Court Trivia
Campus Champion
Celebrity
City round
Interview
Panorama
Opinion
Special Features
Spice
Technology
Famous Parent
Education
Cartoon
Columns
Diaspora
Advertise
Subscribe
Search

Subscribe
punchng.com © 1971- 2024 Punch Nigeria Limited

About us
Advertise with us
Contact