•14 arrested as gov suspends security corps boss, illegal vigilante groups

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, on Sunday, strongly condemned the killing of 16 hunters in Edo State, vowing that the perpetrators will be brought to justice.

The CDS pledged, as the Edo State government said, that Governor Monday Okpehbolo had reached out to the victims’ families, the Hausa community leaders in the state, and the northern governors about the incident.

About 14 suspects have been arrested by the police in connection with the tragic incident.

A mob killed the hunters in Uromi, Edo State, last Thursday while travelling to Kano from Rivers State to celebrate Eid with their families.

The incident was said to have happened when the truck conveying them was stopped by a vigilante group, and the men who were found with dane guns were lynched by the interceptors who mistook them for kidnappers.

No fewer than 16 victims were set ablaze, while 10 were rescued by the police. Those who died in the incident were buried on Saturday.

The incident has been widely condemned by various northern groups, state governments, and lawmakers.

In a statement on Sunday by the Director, Defence Information, Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, said the CDS stated that the tragic incident could have been prevented had the appropriate authorities been notified to verify the identities of the victims.

It read, “Gen Christopher Musa has condemned in strong terms the unfortunate killing of hunters while on transit in Edo State. The incident, which occurred on 28 March 2025, could have been avoided if the appropriate authorities were notified and involved in ascertaining the identity of the victims.

“Gen Musa condoled with the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the families of those who lost their lives.”

He also urged citizens to avoid taking the law into their own hands and instead rely on security agencies for conflict resolution.

Musa assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces of Nigeria will collaborate with the police and other security agencies to ensure justice is served.

The statement added, “The CDS also urged Nigerians not to take laws into their hands but always revert to constituted authority in matters that affect security. The Nigeria Police, military, and other security agencies are well trained to handle such matters.

“The Chief of Defence Staff assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces of Nigeria will work closely with the police and other relevant security agencies to bring the perpetrators of the dastardly act to book.”

He warned vigilante groups, hunters and others to register with relevant agencies to regulate the possession of firearms.

Musa also admonished local hunters and vigilante groups to register with the police, Department of State Services, AFN and any other agencies mandated by law to regulate the possession of firearms while calling on vigilante groups to always revert to police for appropriate action.

Security chief suspended

Meanwhile, Okpehbolo has suspended the Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, CP Friday Ibadin (retd.), over the March 27 killing of the 16 travellers.

The Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor, confirmed Ibadin’s suspension and all illegal vigilante groups operating under whatever guise in the state in a statement on Sunday.

The statement read, “It is hereby announced for the information of the general public that after a review of the preliminary report of the unfortunate incident of Thursday 27th March, 2025 at Uromi in Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State involving the gruesome killing of some travellers, the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has ordered the immediate suspension of all illegal vigilante groups operating under whatever guise in the state.

“Also suspended is the Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, CP Friday Ibadin (retd). It is to be reiterated that the local vigilante group involved in the gruesome killing of 27th March was operating illegally as it was never profiled or registered with Edo State Security Corps.

“Its actions do not reflect the core values, character and principles of the Okpebholo administration, or the objectives of the corps as enshrined in the Edo State Security Corps Governance Law.

“Investigations into the killings are ongoing and 14 persons have been arrested so far, while there is an intense manhunt for others involved in the gruesome killing by a special team set up by the Inspector-General of Police.”

The state government reiterated its belief in the constitutionally guaranteed rights of citizens to move freely or engage in lawful business in any part of the country.

“In the meantime, the government is in touch with families of the victims, community leaders and the Government of Kano State, where most of the deceased are reported to hail from.

“We urge all parties involved to remain calm as the State Government remains committed to ensuring that justice is done in a most efficient, transparent and proactive manner,” the statement added.

Okpebholo peace efforts

The state Commissioner for Information and Communication, Paul Ohonbamu, said the governor has reached out to the Hausa community to let them know that he is not in support of the act.

He explained that Okpehbolo has also charged the security operatives to ensure that such an occurrence does not take place again.

“I am sure the action the governor has taken will deter the aggrieved party from carrying out reprisal attacks because this is what usually happens.

“But such a reprisal is precipitated by delay in doing the right thing by bringing those involved to book. If they kill your person and you see those involved are being dealt with, it will reduce your desire to carry out reprisal attacks.

“But if they are allowed to walk freely, that will amount to calling the bluff of the aggrieved party. The police and other security agencies are also aware that occurrences like this breed reprisal attacks.

“On the side of the governor, he has instructed a thorough investigation because he sees the killing as barbaric and it is wrong for people to take laws into their own hands,” he stated.

On whether Okpebholo had reached out to the Northern governors, Ohonbamu said, “Senator Okpehbolo belongs to the Governor’s Forum, and I am sure that he has reached out to them to let them know the actions he has taken and the one he will take, which will not be made known to the public.

“It could have happened in another state, and I am sure the same step will also have been taken to douse tension.

“The first thing that will gladden the hearts of Northern governors is that the Edo State Government has shown that it is against the killing. He rushed down from Abuja by road to the scene of the incident, warned the people and promised that justice will be done.”

Sanusi wants justice

In a related development, the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sañusi II, warned the youth in the state against reprisals, reminding them that revenge is strictly forbidden in Islam.

The monarch gave the warning during the Eid prayer sermon at the Kano Eid ground, Kofar Mata in Kano, on Sunday.

The Eid prayer was attended by the Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, his entourage, and a large gathering of the Muslim faithful.

He called on the people of the state, especially the youths, to remain calm, law-abiding, and committed to peaceful coexistence, stressing that any act of vengeance would undermine the pursuit of justice and destabilize the community.

The monarch, however, urged security agencies and relevant stakeholders to ensure justice is served for the Kano indigenes who were brutally killed in Edo State.

Sanusi emphasized the importance of justice in maintaining peace and stability in the country.

He said, “This matter must not be allowed to go unpunished. Justice must be done to prevent further escalation and ensure lasting peace.”

The Emir extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased, urging them to seek redress through lawful and peaceful means.

He reminded the grieving families that justice can only be achieved through proper legal channels. The Eid prayer was conducted peacefully across the state.

The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Adewale Akanbi, similarly condemned the brutal killing of the Hausa hunters, stressing that Nigerians should be free to live anywhere in the country without fear of intimidation and harassment.

The monarch spoke on Sunday after observing this year’s Eid-il-fitr prayer alongside many Muslims in Iwo.

Oba Akanbi, while praying for Nigeria and President Bola Tinubu, called on Muslims to continue to imbibe the spirit of Ramadan and not go back to the habits they dropped during Ramadan.

Oba Akanbi said, “I condemned the jungle justice on the Fulani hunters. They are Nigerians, and Nigerians should be protected at all times, anywhere. ‘’

CAN condemn act

The Christian Association of Nigeria and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria also flayed the mob action, describing it as lawless and a grave violation of human rights.

In a statement signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN expressed deep sorrow over the extrajudicial killings, emphasizing the urgent need for justice and stronger law enforcement measures.

“This extrajudicial killing is a grievous violation of human rights and a chilling reminder of the dangers of lawlessness. We extend our deepest sympathy to the families of these hunters, who now mourn the loss of their loved ones taken in such a senseless and brutal manner. Our thoughts are also with all families affected by recent acts of violence and injustice across Nigeria.

“These tragedies inflict profound pain and could erode trust in our legal system, highlighting the urgent need for effective law enforcement and the upholding of the rule of law. The government must act decisively to address these failures and ensure justice is served,” the statement partly read.

Okoh also called on Nigerians to unite for peace and security in the face of the current challenges while calling on the government to conduct a thorough investigation and bring the perpetrators to justice.

“In the face of such challenges, we must not succumb to despair. Instead, let this moment spur us to unite for peace and security. I urge all Nigerians to practise charity, support those in need, and stand together against violence and division.

“Specifically, we call on the government to conduct a thorough investigation into the killing of the sixteen hunters and ensure the perpetrators face justice. Leaders at all levels must also promote understanding and reject mob actions. CAN reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue and cooperation with Muslim leaders, fostering interfaith initiatives to build a stronger nation,” he added.

The President highlighted the shared values between Christianity and Islam and further called on religious and community leaders to discourage mob violence and promote understanding among different faiths, while reaffirming the body’s commitment to interfaith dialogue and cooperation, emphasizing the need for a society where every life is valued and protected under the rule of law.

“As we extend our goodwill on this special occasion, let us all embrace compassion, forgiveness, and mutual respect. These values are the foundation of a society where justice prevails, and every life is protected,” the statement read.

The National Secretary of PFN, Bishop David Bakare, described the act as “barbaric and ungodly,” emphasising that even if the victims were mistaken for kidnappers, it was unacceptable for the people to take the law into their own hands.

Bakare appealed for calm, urging against reprisal attacks and emphasizing that “two wrongs cannot make a right.”

He expressed condolences to the families of the victims and urged the authorities to ensure that the culprits are brought to book.

Bakare said, “We strongly condemn this barbaric and ungodly act of killing travellers under any circumstances.

“Even if they were kidnappers, that does not warrant taking the law into our hands; the right thing was to hand them over to law enforcement agents for proper investigation and legal action.

“We urge that a thorough investigation must be carried out on this matter to ensure that the culprits are brought to book, no matter who they may be. We appeal against reprisals because two wrongs won’t make a right. Our prayers are with the families of the victims.”

Also, the spokesman for the House of Representatives, Akintunde Rotimi, called on security agencies to bring the perpetrators to justice, stressing that Nigerians should coexist peacefully regardless of ethnic or religious differences.

Rotimi, who represents Ekiti North I Federal Constituency, spoke on Saturday in Ayede Ekiti during the Second Ramadan Annual Lecture he organised in honour of the National Vice President of Ansar-ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Aare Sulaiman Ogunlayi.

Rotimi said, “Nigerians should be able to coexist peacefully regardless of our cultural and traditional differences. There must be love and harmony among us.

“On behalf of the people of Ikole/Oye-Ekiti (Ekiti North I) Federal Constituency, we condemn the violent mob attack on those travellers in Edo State. We call on security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators are identified and brought to justice,” the lawmaker said.

Edo Hausa community

The Head of Hausa Community in Edo State, Alhaji Badamosi Saleh, said that his people had been advised not to take laws into their own hands, pointing out that the government is taking steps to bring to book all those connected with the crime.

He said his members had been told to remain crime as the security agencies have arrested some of the perpetrators, adding that they are apprising their people in the North of the situation.

He said, “We have told our people not to take laws into their hands. We have seen the action of the government and we can see that they are not relenting, which has made us calm.

“We have also spoken to our people in the North and have told them that the situation is under control and that Governor Okpehbolo is working to ensure that those that committed the crime are brought to book. The governor’s action gives us joy.

“We were there with the security agencies when the governor came to Uromi on Friday. The police, the DSS and the fourth brigade commander were all there. We commend their effort.

“The police are already going after the people that committed the crime, and some have already been arrested. We are sure that anyone that has something to do with the killing will be prosecuted.”

In the same vein, the Secretary of the Arewa Community in the 17 southern states and the Senior Special Assistant to Gov Dapo Abiodun on Inter Ethnic Affairs, Hadi Sani, assured that the condemnable killing of 16 Hausa hunters would not lead to reprisal attacks in any part of the country.

He said that engagement has already been activated to ensure that nothing disrupts the peaceful coexistence between the Hausas and other ethnic groups in the southern part of the country.

Sani, who condemned this unfortunate incident, describing it as disheartening and barbaric, however, said that such lawless incident should not be used as a yardstick to generalise the southern Nigeria ties with the northerners

“However, we can assure the good people of Ogun State that there can’t be any reprisal attack as we are sensitizing our people on the effort taken so far by the government to bring the perpetrators to book.

“Such effort includes Edo State governor leading a delegation to the community to sympathize with them and direct on immediate arrest of the perpetrators, which is ongoing.

“Also, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the security agencies to clamp down on the perpetrators. There is also obvious evidence of a series of arrests of the alleged perpetrators.

“As an Arewa Community regional representative and peaceful coexistence expert, we cannot allow this issue to degenerate into regional conflict, rather, we will ensure the security agencies should do their job diligently to ensure the perpetrators face the law and justice is been served accordingly to prevent future occurrences.”

The Arewa Consultative Forum National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukur  Muhammad-Baba, in Kaduna on Sunday,  condemned the Edo incident, describing it as part of a larger pattern of attacks and harassment of Northerners in Southern Nigeria.

“The tragic incident at Uromi, Edo State, cannot be isolated from the pattern of ethnic profiling and vigilante meted out to Northerners as they seek to eke out livelihoods in Southern Nigeria,” the group alleged.

The President of the Southern Youth Association of Nigeria, Pastor Okikiola Fayomi, joined others in calling on the security agencies to bring the perpetrators to book.

Fayomi, while sympathising with the families of the victims, urged the northerners to also ensure that this condemnable act did not trigger any form of reprisal attack that could hurt the much cherished peaceful coexistence in the country.

PDP slams Okpebholo

But the Edo State People’s Democratic Party Caretaker Committee said the suspension of Ibadin is a clear admission by the government that the security architecture of the state has failed.

The Publicity Secretary of the committee, Chris Nehikare, in a statement, said the incident indicated deep-rooted inefficiencies of the state’s security outfit.

“The suspension of the Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, CP Friday Ibadin (retd.) is a clear admission by the government that the security architecture of the state has failed,’’ the party pointed out.

To avoid a reoccurrence and prove the security in the state, the PDP called for a comprehensive audit and overhaul of the Edo State Security Corps.

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa on Friday, confirmed the killings on Thursday night of two notorious terrorist kingpins, Kachalla Gwammade and Kachalla Shehu in Zamfara State.

General Musa said the successful operation has left wanted terrorist leader Bello Turji in disarray, desperately seeking escape routes as pressure mounts.

Musa stated this at the closing ceremony of the CDS Joint Task Force Commanders Conference with the theme: “Enhancing Jointness Across all Theatres of Operation” on Friday, in Abuja.

The Defence Chief added that troops of Operation Fansan Yanma under the ongoing Operation “Show No Mercy” on 6 February 2025 eliminated the two notorious bandit leaders, Kachalla Gwammade and Kachalla Shehu, along with four of their fighters in Ruwan Dawa village, Maru local government area of Zamfara State.

He said intelligence sources had revealed that the operation was carried out by troops stationed at Hannu Tara camp, located along the Magami–Dan Sadau Highway, in collaboration with local vigilantes.

General Musa noted that the troops engaged the bandits in a fierce gun battle, neutralising six armed criminals and recovering three motorcycles and several firearms.

Kachalla Gwammade, a key terror commander, operated from a base in Chabi Village, northeast of Maru local government area of the state.

The deceased terrorist was also relative to the late Kachalla Sani Black, a notorious warlord recently eliminated in ongoing military operations.

Speaking at the on the conference, General Musa noted that the past three days were filled with engaging discussions, insightful presentations, amiable perspectives and invaluable knowledge.

“There is no doubt that this event has enabled us to reflect on our collective efforts and the attendant challenges faced in addressing the security situation in our country.

“It has also driven the evolvement of practical measures to strengthen collaboration and cooperation amongst the armed forces and other security agencies in the defence of our great nation.”

The CDS added that the insights provided by guest speakers gave the field commanders the opportunity to update the gathering on their operational activities and challenges in their various theatres of operation.
He emphasised on the strength of the Joint task forces in their ability to operate as a cohesive and integrated force, saying the collaboration and mutual support demonstrated during the conference must continue to guide operations in the field.

The Defence Chief also expressed confidence that the knowledge gained, the relationships forged, and the ideas generated in the three days of the conference will significantly contribute to the effectiveness and success of joint operations.

He charged the Armed Force to foster a culture of cooperation, collaboration, and synergy among the troops. “By breaking down barriers, sharing resources, and leveraging on each others strengths, we can maximise our collective impact and achieve our shared objectives,” he said.

General Musa therefore, charged commanders to remain steadfast in the Armed Forces’ commitment to defending the nation and protecting its people.

“The challenges ahead maybe daunting, but I am confident that with our collective resolve and determination, we will overcome them,” the CDS stressed.

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, yesterday, said that Simon Ekpa’s arrest in Finland has significantly reduced tension in the South East.

The defence chief stated this when he appeared before the House of Representatives Committee on Defence for the 2025 budget defence session.

According to him, Ekpa’s arrest and the Defence Headquarters’ setting up Operation Udoka restored the region’s peace.

Musa said, “The arrest of Simon Ekpa has dramatically reduced the tension. In addition, with Operation Udoka, we’re doing that, picking up most of the leadership there, taking them out, and ensuring that the place is peaceful.

“The sit-at-home on Mondays is gradually diminishing. We’re also working with the political leaders there because we understand, as I always said, that we need local support because, without it, it’s complicated. The terrain is very challenging, so we need to work together. It is improving.

“Like we always appeal for Nigerians to understand that they have to take ownership of their armed forces, they have to take ownership of the security challenges we face. It’s not a challenge for the armed forces alone or security agencies; it’s everybody’s responsibility to do.

“And we’re happy that we’re beginning to get that support from everywhere. Human intelligence information is coming, it’s flowing quite well, and we are taking adequate action, and that’s why we see things are improving.

“What we have done is that we have established and enhanced the kinetic efforts for the three services for our operations. We have the Delta Safe in the South-South for oil theft and militia. At least for the first time now, we have reached our OPEC oil quota for Nigeria and intend to do more.

“Our target is to hit 2.2 million barrels a day for Nigeria. It’s not something that we can also do alone. We also need the other stakeholders in the oil industry to play their roles. We are doing more and providing more security. We are close to 2 million barrels per day. We intend to do more. This year, we want to intensify our operations so that we take out.

“We have formed groups that are discussing with the locals. And we have found that that discussion has helped a lot. So, we have religious and cultural leaders, and every stakeholder is also part of them. We realise that if we carry everybody along, it makes it a lot easier. As we said, the best general does not need to shoot. If you can solve the problem without firing it, it is better.

“So that by the time we do that, those who are willing to move, we move them out, and those who are unwilling, then we go after them. However, the kinetic and the non-kinetic must continue to go hand in hand. And it is working very well,” he said.

While calling for the improvement of border management to address the problem of smuggling, the four-star general said: “We have rescued several children being trafficked across Nigeria to other countries. And then trafficking of drugs, small arms, light weapons.

“We’re working in tandem with the Customs. When we make such arrests, we call either the NDLEA or the Customs and hand them over to them. So these are extra things that we’re doing.

“Now, what is our other concern? Troops’ welfare. We know generally the economy, everybody is having the heat. And we’re no more different. So we’re looking at improving the welfare of our troops, the RCA, Ration Cash Allowance. We’re still struggling at less than N2,000 per soldier per head to feed.

“We’re happy that Mr. President has recently increased the salaries to some extent of the junior class, which is the junior grade of personnel, which has also enhanced their ability. We know the country is going through so much, and it’s not only the military that needs support, but I think we want to get more and can do more.

“We also need accommodation. Every year, we recruit almost 25,000 for all the services. And those going on retirement every year are not up to 5,000. So you see, we’re getting nearly 20,000 into the system. The issue of new barracks, construction, old barracks, and renovation are issues we have to address because now that we’re beginning to get peace.

“Gradually, we’re going to return to the barracks. We don’t want to return to barracks, and then we’ll start living in tents or batches like before. So we must be able to work ahead to establish new barracks and then carry out renovation.”

The committee’s chairman, Hon Babajimi Benson, assured lawmakers that their duty as people’s representatives was to ensure that every Naira was judiciously spent to strengthen the Air Force’s operational capacity and deliver tangible results.

“We must leverage intelligence, technology, and best practices to neutralise emerging threats and safeguard our citizens. As we deliberate on the 2025 budget, I urge all defence agencies to prioritise strategic initiatives that align with national security objectives,” he said.

The committee also resolved to increase the budgetary provision of the Ministry of Defence to sustain the success being recorded in the fight against insecurity in the country.

This followed the adoption of a motion by Hon. Philip Agbese, who commended the military for their efforts when the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, appeared to defend the Ministry’s budget for 2025.

Matawale said the sum of N50 billion allocated for the Ministry in the 2025 budget was grossly inadequate and appealed for an upward review.

He said, “We have some challenges. One is an inadequate budgetary provision. The headquarters and civilian personnel unit are unable to meet their obligations, resulting in the accumulation of debt on services and staff entitlement.

“We have non-payment and accumulated bills for group life insurance, which is very important. Our critical issues are non-payment and accumulated bills of group life insurance for military personnel. I requested the committee to consider maybe the sum of N20 billion as additional funds to pay families of deceased military personnel. That is one of our challenges.

“Mr Chairman, if you look at the budget of 2024, most of the barracks, the allocation we met is zero. How do we expect the military personnel to perform while their living standard is inadequate? For all the provisions we made, the allocation in 2024 is zero. And these are the people that we expect them to perform magic.”

General Christopher Musa, Chief of Defence Staff, has said the military expects a bountiful harvest in the upcoming budget defence before the National Assembly for 2025 to defeat insecurity.

He stated this at the regimental dinner night in honour of the Armed Forces Day Celebration 2025.

General Musa, while thanking the President and members of the National Assembly for their support, said, “We know the budget defence is going to start very soon, and we are looking forward to what will happen. We expect a bountiful harvest,”

He said the event was organised to commemorate the nation’s heroes and pay tribute to the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our country.

“Tonight, we are not only remembering the sacrifice of our fallen heroes who have laid down their lives to safeguard our territorial integrity and national sovereignty but also celebrating the toughness and bravery of our officers across the armed forces.

“We honour the memories of our departed and accomplishers for upholding the values of our trust in, loyalty and dedication that they embodied,”.

The Defence Chief noted that the military also acknowledges the challenges confronting the nation and the unwavering effort of our armed forces to address them and promote peace in our region.

“We commend the bravery, resilience and commitment to duty by all our strong men. The families of our fallen heroes and we reassure you that their sacrifice was never forgotten”.

He reassured that the military high Command would support and ensure that the memories of fallen heroes were honoured and celebrated.

“Let us also recognise the contribution of our veterans who have served our nation with distinction and honour, including those currently serving across various military formations and institutions. Let us dare the world to remember this evening purely as a solid occasion while, at the moment, we also celebrate the dedication and excellence of our men within and across the armed forces,” he added.

The Defence Chief said the event equally provides an opportunity to recognise those who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to do what’s right.

“To the recipients of the Trans-Northern Awards, your achievements reflect the high standard of our military and embodiment of the values we hold dear, which include courage, discipline, commitment and excellence.

Your actions inspire us to your peers, and the upcoming generation of service members who look up to you as role models.”

The CDS called on the need to collectively address the speech challenges across every country by fostering unity.

He said the military has, over time, only appreciated those who have sacrificed their lives and then forgotten the fact of those who are still alive. “We feel it is important to remember those who are alive.”

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has reaffirmed that the Nigerian military conducts airstrikes with precision and does not intentionally target civilian populations.

General Musa spoke on Arise News Channel’s breakfast programme, ‘The Morning Show’, on Monday, which was monitored by our correspondent.

He emphasised that all airstrikes are carefully planned and based on intelligence, but secondary explosions caused by hidden stockpiles of weapons and explosives in targeted areas can inadvertently affect civilians nearby.

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

“We cannot rule out secondary explosions because, within areas where they keep these things, they have weapons, bombs, ammunition, and explosives. Sometimes, when these go off, civilians may be affected. But we do not deliberately target civilian populations. We avoid that as much as possible.”

General Musa revealed that every airstrike is preceded by detailed surveillance, including video evidence.

“We have videos that we follow up on before any strike is conducted. What is happening now is that, in the past, we’ve had religious and traditional rulers aggravating the situation by taking advantage of these incidents,” he noted.

He questioned the timing of accusations of accidental airstrikes, suggesting they might be part of a strategy to undermine the military’s progress.

“Maybe the question we should ask is, why is it that every time we are about to make progress, that’s when you hear about accidental airstrikes here and there?” he asked.

The Defence Chief expressed concern that reports of accidental airstrikes might be aimed at demoraliding the military and discrediting its efforts in the fight against insurgency.

“For us, I think it’s just a way of demoralizing the troops and making it look like we don’t know what we are doing,” he said.

He added that the military was investigating all reported incidents of accidental airstrikes to ensure transparency and accountability.

“We are investigating every airstrike they claimed is an accident. Most times, when they say there’s been an airstrike, by the time you get there, they tell you they’ve already buried the people. Why not wait? Let us also come and verify the issue,” he stated.

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has disclosed that more than 60,000 of the 120,000 Boko Haram terrorists who surrendered to the Nigerian military were children.

General Musa revealed this while speaking on Arise News Channel’s breakfast programme, ‘The Morning Show’, on Monday morning, monitored by our correspondent.

He explained that the insurgents surrendered due to the military’s successful efforts to cut off their resources, including food and funding.

“The 120,000 were not captured; they surrendered because we were able to deny them access to certain things—getting funds, getting food. We gave them the window that if you come, we will take you in,” he said.

He further explained that those who surrendered were thoroughly profiled in collaboration with state governors, the Department Of State Service (DSS), the police, and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA). According to him, the process identified active terrorists, who were then separated from others.

“Not everyone who was part of it was a terrorist. Some were conscripted, some forced, while others were enslaved. So, we were able to separate those ones,” General Musa explained.

The Defence Chief highlighted the alarming trend of Boko Haram militants using women to create a new generation of fighters, with over 60,000 children surrendering to the military.

“In the past, they would capture communities and force adult men to join them. If you refused, they would behead you. But now, since they don’t have territory, they impregnate women to produce a new set of terrorists,” he explained.

He expressed concern that children raised in such an environment could become desensitised to violence.

“Those kids, growing up in a society where killing, beheading, and inhuman activities are rampant, will lack empathy and sympathy. That’s why we are happy these 60,000 children have surrendered,” the Defence Chief stated.

General Musa emphasised that surrendered terrorists were undergoing different processes based on their roles in the insurgency.

“The main actors are going through deradicalisation and investigation. Those found culpable will be tried, and the Attorney General has been prosecuting them,” he noted.

Those cleared of wrongdoing, according to him, were sent to Operation Safe Haven in Gombe State for deradicalisation and skill acquisition programmes.

He also pointed out the underlying issues fueling terrorism, including poverty, unemployment, illiteracy, and bad governance.

“We must address unemployment, hunger, and illiteracy. Good governance is critical—local governments and state governors must work well. We need schools and infrastructure to remove illiteracy,” he said.

General Musa underscored the importance of working with Nigeria’s neighbours to tackle the insurgents who operate across borders.

“The commanders are living large across the borders in no-man’s-land between Nigeria and neighboring countries. That’s why we need to collaborate with these countries,” he said, adding that such cooperation would help ensure lasting peace in the region.

He also accused some individuals and groups of sabotaging the fight against terrorism, describing them as part of the problem.

“There are individuals making it seem like nothing is being done. Some are even discussing with the terrorists to continue their agenda of making Nigeria look unsafe,” he stated.

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has charged troops to make a difference in the operations against insecurity in 2025.

The CDS charged them to intensify their efforts in combating criminals and to pursue and neutralise threats wherever they may hide.

Gen. Musa gave the directive during the Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration and award evening for soldiers, ratings, and airmen in Abuja on Sunday.

Armed Forces Committed To Nigeria’s Security, Says CDS

The CDS stated that there was a need for a more proactive approach in addressing security challenges across the country.

 

He said, “We are not where we want to be, but we’re heading there, and I can assure you that by working together, we shall overcome all acts of evil.

 

“Our task is to look for the bad guys and take them down. Is that clear? I’ve encouraged all our commanders, this year, we must make a great difference in all our operations. We must step out of the temple, look for the criminals wherever they enter, and go after them.”

 

General Musa said military work was no longer all about court martial but to also appreciate excelling officers.

 

“I choose to say thank you for the job you are doing. We appreciate every one of you. For us, anyone who has signed to put his life on the line for his nation deserves commendation, so we commend all of you.

 

“I want to tell you that we appreciate everything you are doing, all the sacrifice, leaving your families behind, staying in the trenches, doing so many wonderful things. Most times, we don’t tell you thank you enough, but this is one way of saying thank you and we appreciate you. And to whom much is given, and to tell you that we will do everything possible to ensure that we take care of you, we look after your welfare, that will make you work better.

 

“So, for those of you here, let me start from this end. So I say congratulations to all of you. We appreciate you. You know in our system, the more you do, the more we want. So this is just the beginning. This is the first time we’re doing this.

“We’re going to maintain this and ensure that every year we commend all those who have done. It is not only to punish people, anything little, to charge him 252 gold for Court Martial. But that if you equally do well, we should also commend you, just like we are commending them,” he stated.

For his part, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, reinforced the importance of the military’s role in ensuring peace and stability.

He reminded troops of their oath to serve the nation with loyalty and resolve.

“We must not lose sight of the oath we took to be dutiful, faithful, and loyal servicemen and women,” Lagbaja said. “We must go wherever lawfully sent—by land, sea, or air. Therefore, we must remain resolute in our fight against terrorism, insurgency, secessionism, and other threats to our collective peace as Nigerians,” Oluyede said.

He also urged personnel to support the government’s efforts to improve the lives of Nigerians, noting that their commitment was crucial to achieving national aspirations.

 

In his remarks, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, assured personnel of the Navy’s commitment to their welfare and operational efficiency.

 

“We will continue to prioritise your welfare and provide the necessary equipment to tackle the challenges ahead,” Ogalla stated.

“The Nigerian Navy will also continue to rejig our operations by introducing new assets and improving surveillance capabilities. This will boost the morale of our gallant troops and make it easier for us to overcome the enemy,” he stated.

 

Ogalla added that the measures would enhance the military’s ability to neutralise threats and turn the tide against criminal elements.