Defence Minister Deploys New Tactics, Orders Shoot-on-Sight to Curb North East Killings

On Tuesday, Gen. Christopher Musa rtd., the Minister of Defense, gave troops in the Frontline the order to shoot terrorists at sight without waiting for additional orders.

Speaking to the troops in Maiduguri with the state’s Minister of Defense, Bello Matawalle, Musa stated that the Nigerian military has already implemented new tactics to put an end to the insurgency in the northeast.

The visit comes after waves of attacks by Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in various villages in the region, particularly in Borno, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

“You are making enormous sacrifices—many people have been hurt and many have died.” Although we are unable to fully reimburse you, please know that we have taken note of your commitment.

“Your tenacity is appreciated by the President and all Nigerians. Remain focused, disciplined, and dedicated to completing the struggle against banditry and terrorism.

The minister stated, “We must remain unwavering because our enemies do not wish us well.”

In order to enable the troops to carry out their duties with ease, he further declared that President Bola Tinubu has authorized the purchase of new planes, drones, and other equipment.

“I want to appeal to you so that you won’t grow weary. Please don’t let someone come and persuade you to do a crime. You have no business dealing with narcotics, ammo, or weapons; our job is to locate and eliminate Boko Haram. Is that evident?

“You don’t need to wait for anyone to give you an order. Wherever you are sent, it is your responsibility to find out. You eliminate them. Therefore, I would prefer not to hear someone claim that he was awaiting an order.

“Our ultimate goal is long-term success; victory is fleeting. Nigeria is stronger than any obstacle, and we won’t be discouraged by outside criticism, Musa declared.

The minister emphasized that the Nigerian military was committed to protecting the nation and maintaining its sovereignty with ongoing attention, new gear, and international assistance.

However, he said that the military forces are functioning exceedingly well and that their sacrifices are significant.

“We have more wins than losses, and Nigerians should be proud of our armed forces’ tenacity and commitment to protecting our country,” Musa declared.

However, the minister said that the federal government will implement the recently authorized compensation increases for military personnel during the next three months, and that a three-month salary arrears would be paid right away.

“The sacrifices made by our troops—who leave their families behind and work tirelessly—deserve our recognition and support,” he said, urging Nigerians to keep supporting the military and refrain from focusing on their shortcomings.

“We must stand together in strength and encouragement, and the story of their bravery must be told accurately,” he continued.

Prior to this, the ministers paid a visit to Dr. Usman Kadafur, the Deputy Governor of Borno, and assured the state authorities of the federal government’s commitment to bringing peace back to the state.

In response, Kadafur stated that the two ministers’ visit was an obvious indication of the federal government’s willingness to change security tactics in the battle against insurgency in the Northeast.

Before leaving for Abuja, Musa officially opened housing units for military officers at Maimalari Barracks.

Additionally, as it works to bring about long-lasting peace in the Plateau, the Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding people and property throughout the nation, stating that it will not submit to criminal elements or violent acts.

This was revealed on Tuesday at a press conference in Abuja by the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who was discussing the security situation in Plateau State in light of the recent incident in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North. “Nigeria will not submit to criminal forces.” The Minister declared, “We’ll defend our people and we’ll win.”

“Criminal elements must not be allowed to split communities among Nigerians.” Nigeria’s unity is still strong, and we must all cooperate to maintain peace and stability throughout the nation,” he continued.

In addition to offering condolences to the victims’ families, the government, and the people of Plateau State, the Minister expressed his profound worry over the occurrence. He gave Nigerians the assurance that security services reacted to the assault quickly. He said that while the military and other security authorities secured the area and began operations to find the perpetrators, troops under Operation Enduring Peace were promptly deployed.

“These quick actions ensured that the situation was quickly contained and prevented further escalation,” Idris stated, adding that the response is a component of continuous efforts to improve security throughout the North-Central area and Plateau state.

According to Idris, intensified surveillance, army deployments, and joint military-police patrols have all helped the Federal Government maintain military and intelligence-led operations in vulnerable communities. These steps, he continued, are intended to keep things stable and stop future attacks.

Additionally, Idris reaffirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is still completely dedicated to tackling security issues through focused operations and strategic cooperation amongst security agencies. He revealed that in order to assess the situation and take more decisive action, the President has already met with senior intelligence and security officials.

He added that in order to improve cooperation and guarantee a coordinated approach towards enduring peace, His Excellency Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, the governor of Plateau State, has been invited for additional meetings.

In order to stabilize the situation and support ongoing operations, the Plateau State Government imposed a 48-hour curfew in Jos North, which the Minister accepted. He emphasized that state and federal officials are collaborating closely to prevent retaliation, restore peace, and support investigations.

Idris called the incident “deeply regrettable,” but he clarified that it is a criminal crime in a conflict-prone area that is being actively tackled rather than a failure of national security. He gave Nigerians the assurance that the guilty will face justice. “Nowhere in Nigeria will be a safe haven for criminal elements,” he declared.

The Minister encouraged Nigerians to maintain composure and obey the law while assuring them that the situation in Plateau State is under control. Additionally, he issued a warning against disseminating unconfirmed material, pointing out that doing so could exacerbate tensions and jeopardize security initiatives.

He stated that in order to stay ahead of new threats and maintain enduring peace across the country, the Federal Government will keep enhancing intelligence collection, operational preparedness, and interagency collaboration.

Another development is that, in the first quarter of 2026, the Defense Headquarters announced major successes in its nationwide security operations, including the neutralization of numerous senior terrorist commanders, the arrest of 1,359 suspects, the rescue of 813 kidnapped victims, and the surrender of 197 insurgents.

At a press conference in Abuja, Major General Michael Onoja, Director of Defense Media Operations, said that the successes were captured in several theaters, including the North East, North West, North Central, South South, and South East.

The confirmed death of Abu Yahya Al-Muhajir, a senior commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province and a member of the group’s Shura Council, was one of the most noteworthy developments, according to Onoja, who noted that this indicated the mounting pressure being applied to insurgent leadership structures.

According to Onoja, during the quarter, 274 suspects were apprehended, 168 kidnapped victims were rescued, and 90 insurgents surrendered as a result of troops’ aggressive attacks on insurgents connected to Boko Haram, ISWAP, and other terrorist groups throughout the Northeast under Operation HADIN KAI.

He also revealed that several prominent terrorist leaders were killed by precision airstrikes in Sambisa Forest in March, and coordinated attacks in areas of Borno and Yobe states were effectively repelled.

Additionally, he said, forces disrupted logistics supply networks, including fuel smuggling activities meant for terrorist use, and thwarted attempts to infiltrate IDP camps.

According to the Defense spokesperson, Operation FANSAN YAMMA in the North West resulted in the rescue of 386 kidnapped victims and the arrest of 114 suspects. Additionally, troops broke up terrorist enclaves, intercepted logistics suppliers, and captured a suspected gunrunner who was carrying ammunition toward Kaduna.

According to Onoja, operations under SAVANNAH SHIELD and ENDURING PEACE led to the neutralization of terrorist elements, the arrest of suspects, and the interception of explosive materials in the North Central region.

Additionally, he said, forces prevented attacks, freed individuals who had been kidnapped, and discovered advanced techniques used by thieves to move ammunition.

He claims that soldiers working under Operation DELTA SAFE stepped up their efforts to combat oil theft in the Niger Delta, demolishing 101 illicit refining facilities and recovering more than 547,000 liters of stolen petroleum products. They also arrested a number of suspects connected to kidnapping and illicit refining operations.

Additionally, Onoja disclosed that UDO KA operations targeted criminal elements linked to the banned Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed wing. As a result, 91 suspects were apprehended, kidnapped victims were rescued, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were destroyed during clearance operations in the states of Imo and Anambra.

National Repercussions

Onoja summarized the national impact, stating that AFN operations in all theaters resulted in the collection of hundreds of weapons and thousands of rounds of ammunition, the arrest of 1,359 suspects, the surrender of 197 militants, and the rescue of 813 kidnapped civilians.

He continued by saying that Olufemi Oluyede, the Chief of Defense Staff, had praised soldiers for their professionalism and tenacity while reiterating the military’s resolve to step up operations against criminality and terrorism.

Onoja emphasized that public collaboration was still essential to maintaining the progress made thus far and urged Nigerians to continue being watchful and provide timely intelligence to security services.