The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has reiterated the military’s commitment to precision and strict adherence to protocols during airstrikes across various operational theatres. Reacting to allegations of civilian casualties during a recent airstrike in Zamfara State, General Musa emphasized that civilians are never deliberately targeted.

Precision and Protocols in Airstrikes

Speaking during an interview on Arise News on Monday, General Musa explained that airstrikes are meticulously planned, involving rigorous surveillance to minimize the risk of collateral damage.

“Before we conduct any airstrike, we follow up on movements, and I can tell you, when we do airstrikes, we do it with precision,” he said.

He suggested that secondary explosions from insurgents’ weapon storage areas might inadvertently harm civilians.

“Within areas where they store weapons, bombs, and ammunition, secondary explosions could occur, potentially affecting nearby civilians. But we do not deliberately target the civilian population,” he added.

Allegations as Tactics to Demoralize Troops

General Musa dismissed allegations of accidental civilian killings as tactics aimed at undermining troop morale, particularly when significant progress is being made in counter-terrorism efforts.

“When we are succeeding, that’s when you keep hearing about accidental airstrikes. These allegations are a deliberate attempt to demoralize our air force and troops,” he explained.

He called for patience and cooperation in investigating such incidents, urging communities to allow military teams to verify claims before drawing conclusions.

The Human Cost of Terrorism

In a sobering disclosure, General Musa highlighted the long-term impact of terrorism, revealing that terrorists are systematically impregnating women to create a new generation of fighters.

“Over 120,000 terrorists surrendered, and out of this number, over 60,000 are children. These children grow up in an environment where heinous acts like beheadings and killings are normalized, making them potential threats if left unchecked,” he said.

Collaborative Efforts to Disrupt Terrorism Financing

The CDS also outlined the government’s collaboration with international organizations like the United Nations (UN) and the European Union (EU) to trace and disrupt the funding of terrorist groups.

“The Federal Government is working closely with multiple agencies, including the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, the Central Bank of Nigeria, and international partners, to trace funds sustaining terrorism,” Musa said.

He stressed the importance of cutting off funding sources, which he described as the “oxygen that keeps them going.”

Legal Action Against Reuters

The CDS announced plans to sue Reuters over allegations that the Nigerian military conducted forced abortions for women impregnated by insurgents. A 2022 report by the news agency accused the military of terminating 10,000 pregnancies during counter-insurgency operations.

“After one and a half years of investigation, the National Human Rights Commission found the report to be a complete lie. Reuters has not apologized or shown accountability for maligning our country and military,” he stated.

Discussions are ongoing with the Attorney General of the Federation to initiate legal proceedings.

Challenges and Progress

Despite the challenges, General Musa expressed confidence in the military’s ability to sustain its momentum in combating terrorism. He urged Nigerians to remain supportive of the armed forces, emphasizing the critical role of unity in overcoming the threats posed by insurgents.

“We refuse to be demoralized. The military remains committed to securing the nation and ensuring a safe environment for all Nigerians,” he concluded.

Conclusion

General Musa’s remarks underscore the complexities of modern warfare, where precision, transparency, and public trust are vital. While the military continues to make progress in the fight against terrorism, addressing civilian casualties and improving communication with affected communities will be key to fostering trust and achieving long-term security in Nigeria.