The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has described terrorism as the country’s most difficult and enduring security challenge.

Speaking at the unveiling of a two-volume publication titled “Counterterrorism and Counterinsurgency Operations in Northeast Nigeria, authored by retired Major-General Ibrahim Yusuf, Gen. Musa said defeating insurgency requires stronger collaboration among the military, government institutions, and citizens.

The Minister noted that counterterrorism operations in Nigeria demand sustained cooperation between the Armed Forces, civil authorities, and local communities because insurgents often hide within civilian populations.

According to him, the military continues to confront increasingly complex threats and emphasised the importance of intelligence sharing, public vigilance, and community support in defeating insurgency.

“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.

He lauded the author of the publication for documenting operational realities and strategic lessons from years of military engagement in the Northeast, describing the work as a major contribution to national security studies.

READ ALSO:

He also commended the Nigerian Defence Academy for producing officers committed to professionalism and patriotism, while urging serving military personnel to study the publication as an operational reference guide.

Musa further appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting the Armed Forces and other security agencies in addressing evolving threats across the country.

He also paid tribute to fallen military personnel and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting their families.

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

Shettima warned against complacency despite recent gains against insurgents, stressing that “progress must not be mistaken for final victory.”

“What Nigeria has endured in recent years is not evidence of a nation overwhelmed by danger, but a reflection of the resilience and courage of Nigerians who continue to stand firm in defence of a shared destiny,” he said.

The vice president described the Northeast crisis as both a security and humanitarian challenge, adding that frontline operational experiences remain essential for shaping future military strategies and national security policies.

Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, described the publication as an important contribution to military scholarship and operational learning.

Oluyede said the author’s experiences as a former commander in several military formations enriched the work with practical field insights and operational lessons.

In his remarks, Yusuf admitted that documenting military experiences academically was more difficult than leading troops in combat.

“I must confess that writing a book is far more demanding than leading men into battle. It is easier to command troops than to document experiences in a scholarly manner,” he said.

Also reviewing the publication, Professor Eghosa Osaghae described the nearly 900-page work as a landmark contribution to military studies and a practical guide for counterterrorism operations in Nigeria.

He said the book combines theoretical perspectives with practical command experience and highlights the role of intelligence, joint operations, and civil-military cooperation in combating insurgency.

Former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, said leadership remains the defining factor in successful counterinsurgency operations.

“Success in such complex operations is not achieved by directives alone, but by ensuring that capable hands are available to translate strategic intent into operational action on the ground,” Buratai stated.

Meanwhile, Chief of Army Staff Waidi Shaibu disclosed that the Nigerian Army had acquired additional drones and other operational platforms to improve surveillance, precision strikes, target acquisition, and casualty evacuation.

Speaking at the conclusion of the First Bi-Annual Chief of Army Staff Conference 2026 in Abuja, Shaibu said the Army must remain proactive and innovative in responding to emerging security threats.

He directed commanders to implement the resolutions reached during the conference and translate them into measurable operational results across military formations nationwide.