Nigeria’s Defence Minister Christopher Musa has urged citizens not to lose hope in the fight against terrorism following a high-level security briefing with President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa.
The closed-door meeting in Abuja brought together top security officials, including service chiefs and the Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu, amid renewed militant attacks across parts of the country.
The briefing followed a deadly assault on the Ngoshe community in Borno State, where suspected Boko Haram fighters reportedly overran a military base and launched attacks on residents.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Musa appealed for patience from Nigerians despite the recent violence.
“Our appeal to Nigerians is not to get tired and not to be discouraged, because sometimes when you hear the news, you think that is all that is happening, but it is far from that.
“The terrorists and bandits are taking more casualties. Their commanders are being killed. We have, however, lost a number of very courageous officers and men, which is highly regrettable. But we want to assure Nigerians that it is a commitment we have on the ground to ensure that Nigeria is safe and secure,” he said.
The Defence Minister noted that the meeting was meant to provide the president with an update on the security situation and address concerns about the recent surge in attacks.
He also disclosed that the president had approved additional military equipment to strengthen ongoing operations against insurgents.
“The President has promised more equipment for us to be able to prosecute the war, and we are sure of victory. It is war, and war comes in phases,” Musa added.
According to him, insurgent attacks often intensify during the Ramadan period, but security forces have already adjusted their operational strategy to counter the threat.
“But like I said, we have adjusted our strategies. You can see that in the past few days we have taken over those locations, killed their commanders and seized their assets. We will continue to do more.
“I assure you that Mr President has approved so many things that are coming on line. We are working together as a team. You can see all members of the security forces here to assure Nigerians—and to assure Mr President—that we are on track and we will succeed,” he said.
The attack on Ngoshe reportedly began on the evening of March 3, when armed fighters stormed the town, set a military base ablaze, and targeted homes and shops across the community.
Local reports indicate that soldiers, community leaders, and residents were among those killed, while hundreds of civilians—mostly women and children—were abducted and taken toward the Mandara Mountains.
The assault has raised fresh concerns about the safety of resettled communities in the region, as Ngoshe was among areas where displaced residents had recently returned.
Following the attack, Babagana Zulum visited survivors who fled to Pulka, promising emergency food assistance and intensified efforts to rescue those abducted.
Both President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima have condemned the attack, pledging that the federal government will not allow terrorist groups to occupy any part of Nigeria’s territory.
