By Nworisa Michael
Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has convened an emergency meeting with the nation’s top military leadership following a surge in terrorist attacks on military bases in the North-East.
The high-level meeting was held at the headquarters of the Ministry of Defence in Abuja, bringing together the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, the Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, the Chief of Air Staff, Sunday Aneke, and the Chief of Naval Staff, Idi Abass. Representatives of the National Intelligence Agency and other senior security officials also attended the meeting.
The gathering followed a series of recent attacks by terrorists on military formations in Borno State and surrounding areas. Reports indicate that at least three commanding officers with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel were killed during the assaults, alongside several soldiers, while many civilians were abducted by insurgents.
Speaking before the meeting proceeded into a closed-door session, Musa acknowledged that the armed forces had suffered casualties during the attacks but maintained that the terrorists had also recorded significant losses.
“We know we have recorded some casualties, but the terrorists have suffered more,” the minister said.
According to security reports, insurgent groups have intensified attacks on military positions in recent weeks, targeting bases and communities across parts of the North-East. Analysts say the assaults appear aimed at weakening military presence and seizing weapons and equipment.
After the strategy session, Musa assured Nigerians that the military remains committed to restoring security across the country. He said the meeting was convened to review ongoing operational strategies in different theatres of operation and strengthen the fight against terrorism.
The defence minister also urged media organisations to exercise caution in reporting security developments, warning against amplifying narratives that could undermine troop morale or inadvertently promote terrorist propaganda.
He further called on citizens to support the armed forces by providing credible intelligence and reporting suspicious activities within their communities.
Security authorities say additional measures and operational adjustments may be introduced as the military reassesses its strategy to tackle insurgency and other security threats across Nigeria.
