General Christopher Gwabin Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), has directed Nigeria’s security agencies to intensify chief-declares-terrorist-defeat-inevitable-amid-major-counter-insurgency-gains/” title=”Army … declares terrorist defeat inevitable amid major counter-insurgency gains”>efforts in identifying and dismantling criminal networks that threaten stability within the country and across the Sahel region.
Addressing attendees as the Special Guest of Honour at the conclusion of Exercise Haske Biyu 2025, held at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC) in Jaji, Kaduna State, General Musa emphasized that sustainable peace in the region hinges on the decisive elimination of armed insurgents and non-state militants.
“Ultimately, our mission is clear: locate the perpetrators and neutralize them. This is the fundamental route to achieving peace,” he asserted.
The CDS lamented the deteriorating security landscape in the Sahel, highlighting that criminal and terrorist factions operate beyond national boundaries, which calls for enhanced multinational collaboration.
“Relying solely on our borders will only prolong our challenges. Unity and cross-border cooperation are essential,” he remarked, advocating for strengthened partnerships through entities such as the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) based in Chad.
He further underscored that military efforts must be paired with meaningful community involvement, stressing that the success of security operations depends heavily on public cooperation.
“When communities refuse to harbor these elements, their influence diminishes significantly,” the CDS explained.
General Musa also highlighted the indispensable role of the media in molding public opinion, praising journalists for their consistent and positive reportage on military initiatives.
“Misguided perceptions can undermine our efforts, making the media’s role vital,” he noted.
While calling on security personnel to maintain the highest standards of professionalism, the CDS cautioned against corruption and political meddling, warning that such factors could erode progress in combating insurgency and banditry.
“Our focus must remain on identifying and eliminating the threats,” he reiterated, urging participants to convert their training into effective, results-driven operations.
In his address, Air Vice Marshal Hassan Idris Alhaji, Commandant of the AFCSC, described Haske Biyu 2025 as the most extensive joint exercise ever conducted by the College.
He explained that the exercise’s theme, Family and National Security, was intentionally selected to highlight the connection between social unity and the nation’s defense.
“Fragile family structures and divided communities create an environment conducive to extremism and crime. It is imperative that our personnel apply the insights gained here within their own communities and units,” he stated.
The closing ceremony was attended by prominent figures from the military, paramilitary, and civil society sectors, reflecting the exercise’s national importance and the necessity of a comprehensive societal approach to security challenges.
