Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Christopher Musa has revealed that approximately 200,000 repentant terrorists have surrendered to Nigerian troops in the Northeast, crediting this success to a dual strategy combining military operations with non-kinetic approaches.
Speaking at the Security and Justice Symposium, organized by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in collaboration with the British High Commission at the National Counter Terrorism Centre in Abuja, General Musa emphasized the role of fairness, justice, and accountability in addressing the nation’s security challenges.
Highlighting the theme of the symposium, “Securing Peace, Ensuring Justice, Protection, Conduct and Accountability,” the CDS noted that less than 30% of the progress in combating insurgency could be attributed to kinetic military actions. The majority of successes, he explained, stemmed from non-kinetic efforts, including community engagement and addressing socio-economic issues such as poverty and basic needs.
“The issues we are facing today relate to fairness, equity, justice, and accountability. Without justice, there will be no peace,” Musa remarked. He expressed optimism that these comprehensive strategies would lead to a significant reduction in the country’s security challenges.
General Musa also emphasized the importance of communication in persuading terrorists to abandon their activities. He acknowledged that many insurgents, realizing the futility of their actions, have surrendered due to strategic communication efforts and the effective application of non-kinetic operations.
Despite the successes, he pointed to ongoing challenges such as the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) by terrorists, stressing the need for creative and innovative solutions to counter these threats. He also highlighted the importance of collaboration with neighboring countries and international partners, particularly given Nigeria’s geographical location and shared security concerns with Francophone countries.
In his address, National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu outlined the objectives of the symposium, emphasizing the necessity for stronger collaboration between security and justice institutions. Ribadu underscored the need for enhanced military operations, improved civilian protection, and a culture of justice and accountability to effectively counter terrorism and insurgency in Nigeria.
