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Tag: CDS

  • The walls are closing in on terrorists, says CDS

    The walls are closing in on terrorists, says CDS

    The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has said that the walls are closing in on those terrorising Nigerians.

    Musa made this known at the closing of the 2025 CDS Joint Task Force Commanders Conference with the theme, “Enhancing Jointness Across all Theatres of Operation” on Friday in Abuja.

    He said that a notorious bandit leader, Kachana Nafaresh, along several of his fighters were killed during a “crushing” raid in Zamfara forest on Thursday night.

    He said that Sani Black’s hideout that had served as a strategic base for banditry was also raided.

    According to him, security operations backed by the air component stormed the camp and burned down Sani Black’s house, forcing him to flee.

    “In a follow-up operation, troops advanced into Tufan and Mashima villages, further dislodging armed groups and pushing them deeper into the forest.

    “In a symbolic strike against banditry, the security forces also returned to the once-cleared area of Bello Turji.

    “The remaining portions of his camp, previously targeted in past offensives, were obliterated in a final suit to erase his presence from the region.

    “Reports indicate that both Turji and Sani Black are now in this area desperately seeking escape routes as the pressure mounts,” he said.

    The defence chief said the ongoing offensives had shown no signal of a shift in the government’s approach to tackling banditry in Zamfara and wider Northwest.

    He said that the security forces had sent a strong message to all armed groups in the country that the era of impunity was over.

    “For years, bandits, terrorists, criminals have exploded the difficult terrain within our country, creating well-fortified hideouts and lodging deadly raids on communities.

    “However, with the current operations gaining momentum, the tide appears to be turning as troops starting their drip and air assaults continue precision strikes.

    “Special forces from the land, the maritime and the air, are working assiduously to ensure that we secure the entire nation,” he added.

    Musa said the conference provided opportunity to generate ideas on how to ensure effectiveness and success of all joint operations.

    Some of the key takeaways, according to him, are the importance of effort, resourcefulness, and the need for the political class to show more commitment to addressing the security challenges.

    “Nevertheless, as an armed force, we must foster a culture of cooperation, collaboration, and synergy among our troops.

    “By breaking down barriers, sharing our resources, and leveraging on each other’s strengths, we can maximize our collective impact and achieve our shared objectives.

    “Let us therefore bring the spirit of jointness back to our respective task forces and integrate it into our daily operations,” he added.

    The CDS charged commanders to remain committed, dedicated, and focused in all their activities and to understand the enormity of the task ahead.

    According to him, President Bola Tinubu has given them a mandate to secure Nigeria and urged them to be innovative and adapt to the changing environment.

    He said the ever evolving security landscape, requires them to continuously assess and improve their strategies, tactics, and capabilities to effectively counter the emerging threats.

    NAN reports that the event had in attendance some past defence and service chiefs, serving service chiefs and all operational commanders of the armed forces.

    The event also featured presentation of medals to deserving serving and former operational commanders who recorded unblemished records for the first 180 days in the saddle.

  • No Nigerian border will be used to attack any country – CDS

    No Nigerian border will be used to attack any country – CDS

    The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, says Nigeria will not allow its borders to be used as a base to attack any foreign country.

    Musa made the declaration in Sokoto on Thursday while addressing troops of “Operation Fansan Yamma” during a Christmas luncheon.

    He also emphasised that no foreign military base would be permitted on Nigerian soil.

    “We have the capacity and capability to handle our security challenges.

    “What we can do is collaborate with other nations through training—sending our personnel abroad for training and welcoming theirs as well,” Musa stated.

    He assured neighboring countries of Niger, Chad, Cameroon, Benin, and Togo, of Nigeria’s commitment to mutual security.

    “Any criminal element using Nigerian soil to attack our neighbors is an enemy of Nigeria, and we will take decisive action.

    “We are one with our neighbors and will ensure that such threats are neutralised,” he said.

    Musa appealed to Nigerians to recognise that addressing the nation’s security challenges is a collective effort that should not be left for the military alone.

    He warned against individuals or groups exploiting religious or ethnic sentiments to deceive communities.

    “Many come pretending to be allies but later reveal their true motives.

    “This was the case with the Lakurawa, who initially seemed friendly but are now a significant threat,” Musa said.

    The CDS stressed that the military is committed to eradicating all criminal elements in the country.

    “Any community harboring these criminals must either drive them out or prepare to face the consequences of our operations.

    “We respect human rights but will take firm action against those aiding or abetting threats to national security,” he warned.

    Musa praised President Bola Tinubu for his steadfast support to the Armed Forces and his confidence in their leadership.

    He also expressed gratitude to Gov. Ahmad Aliyu and the people of Sokoto State for their continued support to military operations in the region.

    “We reaffirm our loyalty to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and our commitment to defending our fatherland,” he said.

    Musa further lauded the troops for their bravery, resilience, and professionalism, urging them to remain vigilant and focused.

    “You exemplify the finest traditions of the Armed Forces. Stay united and continue to make us proud.”

    Earlier, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division, Sokoto, Maj. Gen. Ibikunle Ajose, described the event as an opportunity to not only to celebrate Christmas but also reflect on the troops’ sacrifices, achievements, and shared commitment.

  • Reps summon CDS, COAS over arrest of Miyetti Allah’s leader

    Reps summon CDS, COAS over arrest of Miyetti Allah’s leader

    The House of Representatives has asked the Nigerian Army to release Bello Badejo, the detained president of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore.

    Following a motion of urgent public importance moved by Mansur Soro (PDP, Bauchi) during Tuesday’s plenary session, the House resolved that the military should also apologise to Mr Badejo for infringing on his constitutionally guaranteed fundamental human rights.

    Mr Badejo was reportedly arrested on 9 December at his office in Maliya, Nasarawa State, by officers of the 117 Battalion of the Nigerian Army.

    Moving the motion, Mr Soro described the detained leader of the herders’ group as a “distinguished community leader”.

    He accused the military of acting like the police instead of focusing on their mandate of protecting Nigeria against external threats.

    “The House is disturbed that the continued detention of Bello Badejo by officers of the Nigerian Army without formal charge(s) is a violation of his fundamental human rights as provided for in Sections 34, 35, and 36 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended),” he stated in his motion.

    Mr Soro also claimed that Mr Badejo was arrested over a dispute between a retired general and the Maliya community.

    “The arrest is allegedly in connection with a misunderstanding between a retired military general and some members of the Maliya community,” Mr Soro added.

    Following the presentation of the motion, the House also resolved to invite the Chief of Defence Staff, Chris Musa; the Chief of Army Staff, Olufemi Oluyede; and the Commanding Officer of the 117 Battalion to appear before the House Committees on Army, Human Rights, and Justice on Thursday, 20 December 2024, at 3:00 p.m. to explain why officers under their command violated the relevant provisions of the Nigerian Constitution.

    Mr Badejo’s ordeal with the law
    Mr Badejo’s group, the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, is a socio-cultural association of predominantly Fulani pastoralists, whose members are often blamed for violent clashes with farmers and residents in Benue, Nasarawa and other states.

    Some of their members have also been accused of being responsible for kidnap-for-ransom in different parts of the country. But the group vehemently denies the allegations, maintaining it is a peaceful association of law-abiding citizens.

    In March, Mr Badejo was arraigned on a three-count charge filed by the office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), in which he was accused of violating the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

    The government accused him of unlawfully establishing an ethnic militia group, Kungiya Zaman Lafiya. He was held by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA).

  • No foreign military base in Nigeria – CDS

    No foreign military base in Nigeria – CDS

    The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa has dismissed the reports alleging that permission had been granted to France to establish an expeditionary military base in Nigeria.

    Musa faulted the insinuation that the recent visit of President Bola Tinubu to France where a lot of bilateral agreements were signed included allowing foreign military bases in Nigeria.

    He gave the clarification on Friday during the unveiling of the Armed Forces of Nigeria 2025 Tattoo Logo at the Defence Headquarters Abuja.

    According to him, no foreign body will establish any foreign military base in Nigeria, not in the north, not in the south, not anywhere.

    “Mr President has said it should be very clear. Whatever he was signing is a bilateral agreement on trade, on culture, on tradition, on cooperation, on economy.

    “Nothing like that. Mr President knows the implication. He knows that he must protect Nigeria and he will never allow any foreign body.

    “We will continue to partner together bilaterally because we do training together and we will consistently send our officers which is a normal thing but having foreign military base in Nigeria is not part of Mr President’s plan.

    “So I want to trust this as an opportunity to make that clarification,” he said.

    The defence chief reiterated the commitment of the armed forces to peace and security of Nigeria, Africa, and globally, through various initiatives and strategies.

  • CDS directs immediate investigation into alleged incarceration of Naval rating

    CDS directs immediate investigation into alleged incarceration of Naval rating

    The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa has directed an immediate investigation into the alleged unjust incarceration of a Nigerian Naval rating, Seaman Abbas Haruna, for six years.

    This is contained in a statement issued by the Acting Director of Defence Information,Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, on Monday in Abuja.

    Gusau assured the public of the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s commitment  to upholding justice, fairness, and the rule of law.

    He said the military court-martial process, though meticulous, ensured fairness, equal opportunity, and justice in accordance with established military procedures and the law.

    “The outcome of the investigation will be made public in due course.

    “The DHQ urges the general public to exercise caution and refrain from spreading unsubstantiated information while the investigation is ongoing.

    “We assure Nigerians that the armed forces will ensure a speedy and transparent investigation,” he said.

  • We will capture bandit leader, Bello Turji soon – CDS Musa

    We will capture bandit leader, Bello Turji soon – CDS Musa

    The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has vowed to ensure that the notorious terrorist and bandit leader ,Bello Turji is captured soon.

    Musa gave the assurance while briefing newsmen on the operations of the military across the country on Tuesday in Abuja.

    He said: Turji’s capture is imminent”.

    On the alleged imposition of levy on communities by the terrorist kingpin, the CDS said the military was working with other security agencies and the state government to provided adequate protection for the citizens.

    He called on the communities to support the military and ther security agencies to be able to protect them, adding that the cooperation of the people remained key to defeating the adversaries.

    “On the issue of Turji, like I said, it is just a deranged individual that feels power, but I can bet you that it is just a matter of time.

    “We are going to get him and I can assure you within the shortest possible time, we are going to address that issue.

    “That is why we all must come together to work with members of the armed forces and security agencies to deny them the ability to move freely within our communities.

    “Please do not give them any support. Do not give them information on the movement of troops because this is what is really happening.

    “Most of the area where this thing is continuing is because we have informants within the communities.

    “I have always reminded Nigerians that asymmetric warfare is something that should not be allowed to commence because once it is done, it is a very difficult operation.

    “You are dealing with non-state actors that are not wearing uniform, you don’t know them, but they know you.

    “And within the communities, if you don’t have the support of the community, it makes it extremely very difficult,” he said.

    Musa assured Nigerians that the armed forces would continue to lead other security agencies to leverage on their strengths to be able to move further to be able to rid the country of security threats.

    “Our intention is to make sure that life returns to normalcy in Nigeria. It is a work for all of us together, including members of the press,” he added.

  • Insecurity: Matawalle, CDS, other service chiefs to storm Sokoto to flush out bandits

    Insecurity: Matawalle, CDS, other service chiefs to storm Sokoto to flush out bandits

    The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle has directed the Chief of Defence Staff and other military chiefs to move to sokoto with him as part of an intensified effort by the Federal Government to flush out bandits in the North-West region.

    A statement signed by the Director, Information and Public Relations of the Ministry of Defence, Henshaw Ogubike, said the relocation underscores the unwavering commitment of the Federal Government to restore peace and security in the region.

    The statement read, “The Honourable Minister of State for Defence H.E Dr Bello Muhammed Matawalle MON has expressed his sadness over the activities of terrorists and Bandits terrorizing sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina and kebbi States and its environs.

    “Consequent to this the Honourable Minister of State has directed the Chief of Defence Staff and other military chiefs to move to sokoto which is the Headquarters of the GOC sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina and kebbi states with him as part of an intensified effort by the Federal Government to rid the North West of the menace of banditry, kidnapping and terrorism.

    This strategic move underscores the unwavering commitment of government to restoring peace and security in the region. While in the North West they will supervise operations and ensure that Bello Turji and his Bandits gang are flushed out.

    “These criminal Bandits have been circulating videos of a Nigerian military Armoured vehicle that was stuck in a water logged area and late in the night the officers were asked to withdraw to avoid being ambushed by bandits, later in the night the bandits went to the water logged area, recording video of the Armoured vehicle that was stuck and celebrating it.”

    This incident happened in kwashabawa , Zurmi local government Area of Zamfara state . This is not acceptable as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR has been giving great support to the Armed Forces of Nigeria. The Federal Government is deeply concerned about the persistent threat posed by banditry and terrorism in the North West particularly.

    “We are ready to deploy all necessary assets to ensure that these criminal elements are flushed out and peace is restored to our communities, Dr Matawalle stated. We must move against these terrorists to enable our people to move freely.

    “The time is up for these bandits and terrorists as increased and consistent operations will weaken all their bases.

    Matawalle hereby calls on the Armed forces of Nigeria to flush out the bandits and terrorists as his presence in the North West will ginger our armed forces.
    Matawalle further assured the people of sokoto, Katsina, Zamfara , kebbi states and the entire North West region that the security forces will not leave any stone unturned until they flush out the bandits.

    “I will be on ground in the North West with the CDS and other military chiefs, leading our brave men and women in uniform.”

     

     

     

  • Why Nigerians should assist us in fight against insecurity – CDS

    Why Nigerians should assist us in fight against insecurity – CDS

    The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, has said security is everybody’s business, urging Nigerians to provide the necessary information that would aid security officials’ operations. Musa said this on Saturday in Abuja while delivering his address at the 48th Annual National Conference of the Muslim Elders Association of Nigeria.

    The Convention had the theme: “Making Living Worthwhile For All: Islamic Solutions to Economic and Security Challenges”. The association was created to promote peace, foster brotherhood, enhance leadership values, education and humanitarian services. Represented by Maj. Gen. Shuab Bashir, the CDS further said that collaboration with relevant agencies would aid the quest to address the economic and security challenges in the country.

    ”Security is everybody’s business; everyone must be involved. It should not be left to the security agencies alone. People must give us useful information,” he said.

    While corroborating the position of the CDS, the representative of the Police Commissioner in the FCT, Mr Uba Alkali, said that effective security required the collective efforts of all citizens.

    “Security is everyone’s responsibility. I urge you all to work with the Police to serve humanity,” he said.

  • Fish out killers of Sokoto district head – Matawalle to CDS

    Fish out killers of Sokoto district head – Matawalle to CDS

    Dr Bello Matawalle,  the Minister of State for Defence, has urged the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen, Christopher Musa to fish out the killers of Alhaji Isa Bawa, the District Head of Gatawa in Sokoto State.

    Matawalle gave the charge in a statement on Friday in Abuja, by Mr Henshaw Ogubike, Director of Information and Public Relations, Ministry of Defence.

    The minister who condemned the brutal killing of the District Head in strong terms described it as heinous and unacceptable.

    “The killing of Bawa is a senseless and brutal act that will not be tolerated. We will do everything in our power to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.

    ”Consequent to this, Chief of Defence should immediately launch a thorough investigation into the incident and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.

    “Security is one of the top agenda of President Bola Tinubu and he has been giving full support to the military,” he said.

    Matawalle assured the public that the Armed Forces of Nigeria will leave no stone unturned in fishing out the perpetrators of the heinous crime and bringing them to justice.

    “We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of all Nigerians,” he added.

    The minister expressed his deepest condolences to the family of the late District Head, the people of Gatawa, and the entire Sokoto State Government.

    NAN reports that the district head was reportely kidnapped alongside his son while returning from Sokoto, and killed by his abductors 26 days after.

  • Protest: We are after only enemies of state – CDS Musa

    Protest: We are after only enemies of state – CDS Musa

    The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has said that the military and security agencies are after those behind the call for undemocratic change of government.

    Musa said this on Tuesday during a combined news conference by the heads of security agencies and Service Chiefs at the Defense Headquarters.

    He said the military knew that some protesters calling for regime changes were sponsored, adding that the military and other security agencies were trailing them to bring them to book.

    “I want to appreciate Nigerians for their understanding, for their commitment to upholding the law and order.

    “We have had issues in the past few days, but you can see that people have seen reason for us not to continue with the destruction, to stop the looting, to stop giving opportunities for others to subvert our nation and to destroy our nation.

    “They have also seen reasons to join hands together with the security forces to make Nigeria better.

    “We want to assure them we on this side that we are fully committed to Nigeria, we love the country, we are mindful of the fact that we have been equipped and so we are duty bound to protect the country.

    “We are only after those that are against the states, not those that are innocent.

    “So I want to make that very clear and we will continue to work together as a team to support Mr President in achieving his mandate of peace and tranquility in our dear country Nigeria,” he said.

    The CDS called for the collaboration of all other agencies to ensure that they achieved success and called for calm, mediation, discussion, dialogue towards national unity and cohesion as one great country.

    He said the Nigerian military was people centric in all its activities, adding they were not interested in anybody being killed or injured or being prosecuted, except those that have crossed the line.

    He said the joint news conference was an opportunity to show that the military and all the security agencies were working as a team in line with the mandate of the president.

    “So this morning we’re here to give you some brief on the issue on ground, what we are doing, and then to have interactions with members of the Media,” he added.

    On his part, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, said the main operational commitment of the army was to deploy resources to combat the protests that have turned riots to ensure sustainable peace in the country.

    Lagbaja said the army under his command was more concerned about bringing the country to a state of sustainable peace and security, adding that attention had not been diverted from its main operational commitment in combating terrorism and banditry.

    “I checked the number of patrols that troops conduct, the number of ambushes that are undertaken on daily basis, the number of violent insurgents that have been eliminated, incapacitated and other indices, and it has not dropped by whatever measure.

    “Also we have continued to expand the frontier of peace and security in Borno state.

    “Internally Displaced Persons (IDP’s) are being returned back to Kukawa and some other places as I speak to you, which are indices of return to peace and stability.

    “So the troops are not relenting in their operational commitment in the field on our contingency plan in the event that the situation degenerates.

    “I want to also assure you that our estimates looking into the future suggests that the situation will not degenerate but we need cooperation of every stakeholder in Nigeria to achieve that,” he said.

    The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, said the navy had continued to work with other services and security agencies to ensure safety and security in the maritime domain.

    Ogalla reiterated the commitment of the navy to sustain its operations in the Niger Delta to ensure that the nation’s meets its oil production capacity

    He said the operations had led to increase in oil output and boost the revenue generation from oil that would help the nation to meet the needs of the citizens.

    The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, said the Nigerian Air Force remained committed to ensure successful operations in all operational engagements of the armed forces.

    He said the military was mindful of its commitment to defending the territorial integrity of the nation.

    The Chiefs of army, navy, air force and Defence as well as Inspector-General of Police and representative of the Director-General of the Department of State Service (DSS), made presentations.

    Also in attendance are the Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller-General of Nigeria Immigration Service, Commander-General of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).