Nigeria Adopts Aggressive Anti-Terror Offensive

Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (retd.), has unveiled a robust new offensive strategy targeting terrorists and bandits following a surge in attacks. He convened an emergency combat audit with the Service Chiefs at Defence Headquarters in Abuja to address these threats head-on. While tactical details remain classified for operational security, Musa emphasized a shift to proactive measures.

The Service Chiefs received directives for an immediate overhaul of military operations across multiple theatres, including the northeast and northwest. Musa highlighted on-site command by chiefs to boost coordination and sustain pressure on criminal networks. This follows coordinated assaults by groups like Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), which have hit military bases, killing at least three senior officers last week.

A comprehensive review of national military strategy now prioritizes direct confrontation, ensuring operations yield tangible results. Troops are neutralizing key terrorist commanders and disrupting logistics, with Musa noting heavier losses on the enemy side despite military casualties. He urged Nigerians to ignore social media misinformation that could erode troop morale.

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Progress includes systematic weakening of terrorist capabilities, though challenges persist from recent brazen attacks. Musa, a former Chief of Defence Staff with experience in counter-insurgency, reaffirmed no tolerance for threats to national security. Collaboration with police and other agencies, plus public tips on suspicious activities, will amplify efforts.

The minister’s statement, posted on Facebook on March 12, 2026, underscores relentless commitment until these networks are dismantled. This aligns with his earlier declarations of total war on insecurity since taking office.​