On Tuesday, the Frontline troops were instructed by the Minister of Defense, Gen. Christopher Musa rtd., to fire at any terrorist without waiting for additional orders.
Speaking to the troops in Maiduguri alongside Bello Matawalle, the state’s minister of defense, Musa stated that the Nigerian military has already implemented new tactics to put an end to the insurgency throughout the northeast.
The visit comes after waves of attacks in several towns in the region, particularly in Borno, by Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Many people have died and many more have been hurt, thus you are making enormous sacrifices. You can be confident that your commitment has been appreciated even though we are unable to completely pay you.
“The President and every Nigerian are grateful for your tenacity. Maintain self-control, concentration, and dedication to completing the battle against terrorism and criminality.
“We must remain unwavering because our enemies do not wish us well,” the minister declared.
Additionally, he declared that President Bola Tinubu has authorized the purchase of new planes, drones, and other equipment to enable the military to carry out their duties with ease.
Therefore, I want to appeal to you rather than grow weary. Please don’t let anyone come and try to persuade you to commit any crimes. You have no business dealing with narcotics, ammo, or weapons, and our job is to find and eliminate Boko Haram. Is it clear?
“There is no need for you to wait for an order from anyone. It is your responsibility, wherever you are placed, to find out. You get rid of them. I thus don’t want to hear someone claim that he was awaiting an order.
“Everlasting achievement is our ultimate goal; victory is fleeting. Nigeria is stronger than any obstacle, and criticism from outside sources won’t discourage us,” Musa stated.
The minister emphasized that the Nigerian military was committed to protecting the nation and maintaining its sovereignty with ongoing attention, new equipment, and international collaboration.
Nonetheless, he expressed joy for the military’s outstanding performance, stating that their sacrifices are significant.
“Nigerians should be proud of the tenacity and commitment of our armed forces in protecting our nation, as we have more victories than defeats,” Musa declared.
However, the minister said that the federal government will implement the recently authorized compensation increases for military personnel within the next three months, and that a three-month salary arrears would thereafter be reimbursed promptly.
“The sacrifices made by our troops—who leave their families behind and work tirelessly—deserve our recognition and support,” he said, urging Nigerians to keep supporting the armed forces and not focus on their shortcomings.
“We must unite in strength and encouragement, and the story of their bravery must be told accurately,” he continued.
Prior to this, the ministers paid a visit to Dr. Usman Kadafur, the Deputy Governor of Borno, and assured the state authorities of the federal government’s commitment to bringing peace back to the region.
In response, Kadafur stated that the two ministers’ visit was an obvious indication of the federal government’s willingness to revamp security tactics in the battle against insurgency in the northeast.
Prior to leaving for Abuja, Musa also officially opened housing units for military officers at Maimalari Barracks.
Additionally, as it works to bring about long-lasting peace in the Plateau, the Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding people and property throughout the nation, stating that Nigeria will not submit to criminal elements or violent acts.
This was revealed on Tuesday during a press conference in Abuja by the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who was discussing the security situation in Plateau State in the wake of the recent incident in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North. “Nigeria refuses to submit to criminal elements. “We’ll defend our people and we’ll win,” the Minister declared.
“Criminal elements must not be allowed to split communities among Nigerians. Nigeria’s unity is still strong, and we all need to cooperate to keep the nation peaceful and stable,” he continued.
The Minister conveyed his profound worry for the situation and offered his sympathies to the victims’ families, the Plateau State administration, and the local populace. He reassured Nigerians that the attack was quickly stopped by security forces. He said that while the military and other security authorities secured the area and began procedures to find those guilty, troops under Operation Enduring Peace were immediately deployed.
“These quick actions ensured that the situation was quickly contained and prevented further escalation,” Idris stated, adding that the response is a component of continuous efforts to improve security in Plateau State and the larger North-Central area.
According to Idris, the Federal Government has maintained military and intelligence-led operations in communities that are at risk. These operations have been bolstered by increased surveillance, troop deployments, and joint military-police patrols. He went on to say that these steps are meant to keep things stable and stop more attacks.
Additionally, Idris pledged that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is still completely committed to tackling security issues by means of focused operations and strategic cooperation amongst security agencies. He said that the President has already met with senior intelligence and security officials to assess the situation and take more decisive action.
In order to improve cooperation and guarantee a coordinated approach towards enduring peace, he further mentioned that His Excellency Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, the Governor of Plateau State, has been invited for additional meetings.
The Minister recognized actions done by the Plateau State Government, such as enforcing a 48-hour curfew in Jos North to maintain operations and stabilize the situation. He emphasized that state and federal law enforcement agencies are collaborating closely to stop retaliation, bring peace, and support investigations.
Idris called the attack “extremely regrettable,” but he clarified that it is a criminal crime in a conflict-prone area that is being actively addressed rather than a breach of national security. He promised Nigerians that the guilty will be held accountable. “Criminal elements will not find a safe haven anywhere in Nigeria,” he declared.
The Minister encouraged Nigerians to maintain composure and uphold the law while assuring them that the situation in Plateau State is under control. Additionally, he issued a warning against disseminating unreliable information, pointing out that doing so could exacerbate tensions and jeopardize security initiatives.
He stated that in order to remain ahead of new threats and guarantee enduring peace across the country, the Federal Government will keep bolstering intelligence collection, operational preparedness, and interagency collaboration.
Another development is that, in the first quarter of 2026, the Defense Headquarters claimed major successes in its nationwide security operations, including the neutralization of numerous senior terrorist commanders, the arrest of 1,359 suspects, the rescue of 813 kidnapped victims, and the surrender of 197 insurgents.
At a press conference in Abuja, Major General Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, said that the successes were documented in several theaters, including the North East, North West, North Central, South South, and South East.
One of the most significant events, according to Onoja, was the confirmed murder of Abu Yahya Al-Muhajir, a senior commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province and a member of the group’s Shura Council. He noted that this was a reflection of the mounting pressure being placed on insurgent leadership structures.
Onoja clarified that during Operation HADIN KAI, troops had launched forceful attacks on rebels connected to ISWAP, Boko Haram, and other terrorist groups throughout the Northeast, resulting in the capture of 274 suspects, the rescue of 168 kidnapped victims, and the surrender of 90 insurgents during the quarter.
He also revealed that in March, coordinated operations in portions of Borno and Yobe states were effectively thwarted, and several prominent terrorist leaders were killed by precision airstrikes in Sambisa Forest.
Additionally, he said, forces prevented attempts to enter IDP camps and interfered with supply networks for logistics, including fuel smuggling operations meant for terrorist use.
According to the Defense spokesperson, Operation FANSAN YAMMA in the North West resulted in the rescue of 386 kidnapped victims and the arrest of 114 suspects. Additionally, troops dismantled terrorist enclaves, intercepted logistics suppliers, and captured a suspected gunrunner carrying ammunition toward Kaduna.
According to Onoja, SAVANNAH SHIELD and ENDURING PEACE operations in the North Central region led to the neutralization of terrorist elements, suspect arrests, and the interception of explosive materials.
Additionally, he said, forces prevented attacks, saved individuals who had been kidnapped, and discovered advanced techniques used by thieves to transfer ammunition.
He claims that troops working under Operation DELTA SAFE stepped up their efforts to combat oil theft in the Niger Delta, demolishing 101 illicit refining facilities and recovering more than 547,000 liters of stolen petroleum products. They also arrested a number of suspects connected to kidnapping and illicit refining operations.
Onoja also disclosed that during clearance operations in the states of Imo and Anambra, 91 suspects were apprehended, kidnapped victims were rescued, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were destroyed as a result of UDO KA operations that targeted criminal elements connected to the banned Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed wing.
Effects Across the Nation
Onoja summarized the impact on the entire country, stating that AFN operations in all theaters resulted in the rescue of 813 kidnapped citizens, the arrest of 1,359 suspects, the surrender of 197 insurgents, and the recovery of thousands of rounds of ammunition and hundreds of weapons.
He continued by saying that Olufemi Oluyede, the Chief of Defense Staff, has reaffirmed the military’s commitment to stepping up operations against terrorism and criminality while praising soldiers for their professionalism and tenacity.
Onoja emphasized that public collaboration was still essential to maintaining the successes made thus far and urged Nigerians to continue being watchful and provide security authorities with timely intelligence.
