“Terrorism Is Defeated, Kidnapping Is Now the Bigger Threat” — Defence Minister Says as Military Intensifies Operations

The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (Rtd.), has said Nigeria has defeated terrorism, insisting that attacks by Boko Haram and ISWAP have significantly reduced, with kidnapping now emerging as the country’s major security challenge.

He also appealed to state governors to stop distributing high-capacity motorcycles as palliatives, warning they often end up in the hands of terrorists.

A Shift in the Security Landscape

ValidViewNetwork gathered that the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (Rtd.) , has said Nigeria has defeated terrorism, insisting that attacks by Boko Haram and other terrorist groups have significantly reduced, with kidnapping now emerging as the country’s major security challenge.

Musa made the assertion during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, September 3, 2026, where he said security had improved under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

The Evolution of Insecurity

Responding to a question on whether terrorists had been defeated or merely displaced, the minister said the nature of insecurity had changed.

“Frankly speaking, we have (defeated terrorists) because now, like I said, the attacks are not as rampant and it is now kidnapping. Kidnapping is a social ill where you now see wives kidnapping husbands and husbands kidnapping children,” he said.

According to him, reports of Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) attacks are no longer as frequent as they were in the past.

The Criminal Trajectory

Musa explained that criminal activities often evolve from ordinary crime to kidnapping and eventually terrorism, adding that sustained military operations had forced terrorists back to kidnapping as a means of raising funds.

“The trajectory is this, from criminality to kidnapping to terrorism, insurgency; once you are able to hit them it goes back downwards and so we are now back into the stage of abductions and kidnappings because that is the easiest way for them to try and raise money,” he said.

Warning on Motorcycles as Palliatives

The minister also appealed to state governors and public officials to stop distributing high-capacity motorcycles as palliatives, warning that many of them eventually find their way into the hands of terrorists.

He advised that where motorcycles must be distributed, only low-capacity models should be provided to reduce their usefulness for criminal activities.

A Call for Stronger Local Government

Musa further stressed the need to strengthen local government administration, arguing that ineffective local councils have contributed to the country’s security challenges.

A Lesson for Nigerian Youths

The Defence Minister’s assessment is a reminder that security is a moving target. Terrorism may be defeated, but kidnapping has taken its place.

The same politicians who celebrate victories will never allow their own children to be victims of kidnapping. Their children are protected.

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For young Nigerians, the lesson is clear: security begins at the local level. The same politicians who ignore local government will never allow their own communities to suffer.

Demand better governance at all levels. Hold your leaders accountable. And never forget that true security comes from effective institutions.