Following a strategic security briefing at the Presidential Villa, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa has disclosed that President Bola Tinubu has authorized the deployment of additional air capabilities to bolster the fight against insurgency.
Addressing journalists after a closed-door meeting with the President and top military officials in Abuja, General Musa said the government has already acquired new equipment to support ongoing operations, particularly in northern Nigeria where attacks have intensified.
“Mr President has given a directive as to what to do next for us to intensify all efforts, collaborate with all our sister countries around us because it is the porous nature from there that is aggravating our own issues on ground,” he said.
“And so all our theatres have been enhanced, equipment has been bought and Mr President has given us much approval for air assets, and other aspects of security and as we said, it is not only the kinetic aspect, the non-kinetic aspect is most important.”
He added, “The President is also looking at discussing with governors for their own support by ensuring that dividends of democracy extend to the community to stamp down the issue of insecurity and we are working together.”
According to the CDS, the worsening security landscape is part of a broader regional trend, as terrorists and jihadist groups intensify operations across the Sahel, with Nigeria feeling the impact due to vulnerable border areas.
He said Friday’s meeting focused on evaluating the national security outlook and coordinating a more aggressive response.
General Musa noted that President Tinubu is “deeply concerned” about the recent developments and has expressed firm commitment to restoring stability. Security chiefs, he said, reassured the President of their resolve to bring the situation under control.
The Defence Chief also made an appeal to citizens, urging continued support for military personnel and caution against spreading misinformation.
“It is important that we all cooperate with the members of the Armed Forces and security agencies. If we see something that is going wrong anywhere in the country, let us report, action will be taken, including our own personnel.
“If we see them doing what is not supposed to be done, we should report and action will be taken,” he said.
He warned against the circulation of misleading videos and fake reports that claim to show unrest in Nigeria but are actually foreign content, questioning the motives of those who share such materials.
“It is important that we all cooperate with the members of the Armed Forces and security agencies… If Nigeria collapses, it will affect everyone,” he cautioned
