Kehinde Fajobi
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, said on Tuesday that the arrest of Simon Ekpa in Finland had significantly reduced tension in Nigeria’s South-East region.
He attributed this and the Defence Headquarters’ Operation Udoka to the ongoing restoration of peace in the area.
Speaking before the House of Representatives Committee on Defence during the 2025 budget defence, Musa said Operation Udoka was created to eliminate banditry and the sit-at-home order in the South-East.
He emphasised collaboration with local communities to ensure stability.
“With the arrest of Simon Ekpa, it has greatly reduced the tension,” Musa said.
“Also, with Operation Udoka, we’re picking up most of the leadership there, ensuring the place is peaceful. The sit-at-home on Mondays is gradually diminishing.
“We’re working with political leaders because we understand the need for local support. It is improving.”
Musa highlighted proactive measures that ensured peace during recent holidays.
He noted the importance of combining kinetic and non-kinetic strategies, stating, “The best general is one who does not need to shoot. If you can solve the problem without firing, it is better.”
The CDS also touched on the fight against oil theft in the South-South, revealing progress in achieving Nigeria’s OPEC oil production quota.
“Our target is to hit 2.2 million barrels a day for Nigeria. We’re close to 2 million barrels now,” he said.
He stressed the importance of local engagement, involving religious, cultural, and other community leaders to address security challenges effectively.
Musa also urged improved border management to combat trafficking.
“We have rescued several children being trafficked across Nigeria to other countries and intercepted drugs and arms,” he said.
On troop welfare, he expressed concern over the current ration cash allowance of less than ₦2,000 per soldier.
“We’re happy the President has recently increased salaries for junior personnel.
“But we need more to address accommodation and welfare as we continue to recruit thousands annually.”
Musa called for local manufacturing of weapons, citing difficulties in securing arms internationally due to the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war.
“We need to start producing our weapons. With the DICON bill signed, we’re working with local manufacturers to make this a reality,” he said.
Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, Rep Babajimi Benson, emphasised the importance of judicious spending to strengthen operational capacity.
“As we deliberate on the 2025 budget, I urge all defence agencies to prioritise strategic initiatives that align with national security objectives,” Benson said.