Defence Minister Under Fire Over Conflicting Directives on Terror Fight, Group Laments

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ABUJA — The Alliance for Democratic Governance and Peace Initiative (ADGAPi) has expressed concern over what it described as conflicting public remarks by the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd.), warning that inconsistent communication on Nigeria’s counter-terrorism strategy could undermine public confidence and create uncertainty about the country’s security direction.

In a statement signed by its Deputy National Secretary, Comrade Praise John, the civil society organisation said while it acknowledged the enormous responsibility borne by the Defence Minister and commended the sacrifices of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in combating terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes, public communication from the nation’s highest defence authority must consistently project clarity, professionalism and strategic coherence.

The group referenced two recent public statements by the Minister which it said had generated debate among Nigerians. It recalled that during the commissioning of security equipment in Sokoto State, the Minister directed troops not to wait for orders before engaging terrorists and bandits, warning that any operative who failed to act decisively would be regarded as a bandit.

However, ADGAPi noted that at the Arise News State Police Town Hall shortly afterwards, the Minister stated that “no country can shoot itself to peace,” explaining that military operations contribute only about 25 to 30 per cent of successful counter-terrorism efforts, while the remaining success depends largely on dialogue, community engagement and other non-kinetic measures.

According to the organisation, the two positions are not necessarily contradictory, as one relates to battlefield operations while the other reflects globally accepted strategic principles in counter-terrorism. Nevertheless, it argued that presenting such perspectives without sufficient context could generate avoidable confusion among citizens, stakeholders and security personnel responsible for implementing government policies.

ADGAPi stressed that successful counter-terrorism efforts across the world are anchored on consistent policy direction, disciplined communication and measurable operational achievements rather than frequent public pronouncements.

It observed that governments confronting terrorism in different parts of the world increasingly rely on intelligence-driven operations and tangible security gains to demonstrate effectiveness, instead of statements capable of creating uncertainty over operational doctrine.

The organisation further stated that Nigerians battling insecurity are more interested in visible improvements in their daily lives than forceful public rhetoric.

It maintained that securing communities, protecting schools, making highways safer, dismantling criminal networks and reopening transport corridors would do more to inspire public confidence than repeated media engagements.

“The Defence Ministry’s greatest public relations asset should not be media headlines but measurable improvements in national security. Every rescued victim, every neutralised terrorist camp, every secured farming community and every reopened transport corridor speaks louder than repeated public pronouncements,” the statement said.

ADGAPi also urged the Ministry of Defence to concentrate on strengthening operational efficiency, improving coordination among security agencies and providing sustained support for military personnel serving on the frontlines.

The group argued that public trust in government would naturally increase when citizens consistently witness concrete improvements in the nation’s security situation.

It therefore advised the Defence Minister to exercise greater restraint in commenting publicly on operational security matters, noting that strategic communication remains an important component of national security but should be carefully managed to avoid sending mixed signals or weakening troop confidence.

The organisation further encouraged the Ministry to sustain a balanced combination of kinetic and non-kinetic strategies in line with internationally recognised counter-terrorism practices, emphasising that military operations, intelligence gathering, community partnership, dialogue where appropriate and effective governance must work together to defeat violent extremism.

ADGAPi concluded that history would ultimately assess public office holders by the tangible results they deliver rather than the volume of their public statements, expressing optimism that Nigerians remain eager to witness lasting victories over terrorism, banditry and other security challenges across the country.

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