During the 2025 Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Annual Conference held at Nebo Hall, Abalti Barracks in Lagos, on Monday, the 15th of December, 2025, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, announced a significant decline in the operational strength of terrorists, bandits, and criminal syndicates nationwide.
He credited this strategic breakthrough to the exceptional courage of Nigerian troops, refined tactical planning, and the increasing success of integrated multi-agency efforts.
General Musa underscored that the complexity of modern warfare demands a departure from isolated efforts, stressing that “The reality remains that no single service, institution, or individual can tackle today’s security challenges in isolation. Sustainable success depends on unity of effort, joint operations, intelligence sharing, coordinated planning, and close collaboration among security agencies.”
The Minister framed the conference as a vital platform for the Nigerian Army to evaluate its current readiness and ensure its objectives mirror the country’s most urgent security needs. He pointed out that Nigeria is currently navigating a multifaceted landscape of threats that demand constant vigilance and tactical flexibility.
According to the Minister, “The significance of this conference cannot be overstated, particularly given the complex and evolving security environment facing our nation. Nigeria continues to confront a range of threats including terrorism, insurgency, banditry, transnational crime, and other asymmetric challenges that require sustained strategic focus, adaptive leadership, and clear purpose.”
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Ensuring a peaceful and stable environment is a foundational element of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. To support this vision, Musa pledged that “The Ministry of Defence will continue to provide strategic direction, policy support, and capability development to ensure that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain professional, responsive, and future-ready.”
Beyond tactical success, the Minister focused heavily on the welfare of the men and women in uniform. He offered a heartfelt tribute to personnel wounded in the line of duty, emphasizing that the Ministry is deeply committed to their emotional and physical recovery. He insisted that the sacrifices made by these soldiers and their families would never be overlooked, promising that their long-term support remains a core priority.
General Musa also took the opportunity to praise COAS Lieutenant-General Waidi Shaibu, citing his distinguished service in the North-East as a blueprint for the leadership required to face modern challenges. He urged the military hierarchy to embrace a culture of constant improvement and forward-thinking strategies.
“We must continue to evolve, remain proactive, innovative, and resolute in our approach to safeguarding Nigeria,” the Minister concluded, calling for a steadfast commitment to the nation’s protection.