Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, says terrorist activities in Nigeria have declined significantly, giving the country’s security efforts a score of about 65 to 70 percent. He made the statement on Friday during an interview on _Arise Television_, while addressing concerns about insecurity, kidnapping, and banditry across the country.
According to Musa, although incidents of terrorism and kidnapping still occur, the situation has improved markedly compared to previous years. “Yes, I’ll give ourselves 65 to 70 percent score. No nation is totally free from crime and criminality, but the level of terrorism across the country has actually drastically reduced,” he said. The minister stressed that achieving 100% security is unrealistic anywhere in the world, pointing out that crime exists in every country, including developed nations.
Musa linked part of the current security challenges to social and moral factors. He argued that the erosion of family values and weak social orientation have contributed to the rise of criminality. In his view, many people involved in kidnapping and related crimes are driven by the desire for quick wealth rather than honest hard work. He described terrorism as a social problem, not just a military one, and cited disturbing cases where family members were found to be involved in abductions.
The Defence Chief also suggested that some criminal acts may have political undertones. He said certain attacks could be aimed at making the government look ineffective or creating a sense of national instability. Without mentioning specific groups, he implied that insecurity is sometimes weaponized for political gain.
Despite these challenges, Musa insisted that the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies remain committed. He said troops are working relentlessly to curb insurgency in the Northeast, banditry in the Northwest, and separatist violence in the Southeast. He highlighted improved intelligence gathering, increased patrols, and better coordination among security agencies as reasons for the drop in large-scale terrorist attacks.
The minister’s remarks reflect the federal government’s broader message: progress is being made, but the fight is not over. While large territories once held by terrorists have been reclaimed and many fighters have surrendered, sporadic attacks, kidnappings for ransom, and communal violence continue to affect communities.
Public reaction to Musa’s 65-70% rating has been mixed. Some Nigerians agree that things are better than they were in 2020-2022, when attacks were more frequent and deadly. Others argue that any level of kidnapping or bombing is too high, and that citizens deserve to feel completely safe….See More
