Terrorism still major threat to Nigeria, Defence Minister warns

Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has warned that terrorism remains one of the gravest threats to the country’s security, urging stronger collaboration among the military, government institutions and citizens to sustain counterinsurgency efforts.

Speaking in Abuja at the unveiling of a two-volume book titled Counterterrorism and Counterinsurgency Operations in Northeast Nigeria, Musa said the fight against insurgency could not be won by the Armed Forces alone.

“The Armed Forces cannot win this fight alone. Every member of the Armed Forces and indeed the entire society must contribute to the fight against terrorism,” he said.

The publication was authored by retired Major General Ibrahim Yusuf, a former Commander of the Multinational Joint Task Force and ex-Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy.

Musa described terrorism as one of the most complex security challenges in Nigeria’s history, noting that insurgents often hide within civilian populations, making intelligence sharing and community support critical to military operations.

He said the book would enrich national security discourse by documenting operational experiences and lessons from the battlefield for military officers, researchers and policymakers.

The minister also commended the Nigerian Defence Academy for producing officers grounded in professionalism and patriotism, while praising Yusuf for his dedication and leadership throughout his military career.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by his Special Adviser on General Duties, Dr Aliyu Modibbo, urged troops to sustain pressure on terrorist groups and strengthen joint operations in the Northeast.