General Christopher Musa, Chief of Defence Staff, has expressed concern over the ongoing insecurity in Northern Nigeria, citing banditry, kidnapping, and related crimes.
During a speech at Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, Kaduna State, he highlighted both external and internal factors contributing to the problem, including the proliferation of small arms, political instability, and socio-economic issues like poverty and inequality.
Musa noted that the region’s porous borders facilitate the movement of criminals, including Boko Haram and other militant groups. He also mentioned the impact of environmental changes, such as desertification and the shrinking of Lake Chad, which have intensified conflicts over resources like water and grazing land.
The Chief of Defence Staff discussed various factors exacerbating the security situation, including poor governance, infrastructure decay, and economic disparity. He emphasized that these issues have led to increased terrorism, banditry, and intercommunal clashes.
Musa outlined the military’s approach to tackling these challenges, combining kinetic operations against terrorist groups with non-kinetic strategies like civil-military cooperation and community engagement. He reported positive outcomes from these efforts, including improved security in various regions, the return of displaced persons, and reductions in criminal activities. Despite these advancements, he acknowledged that ongoing challenges remain and stressed the need for continued efforts to address the complex security landscape.
