The Chief of Army Staff of Nigeria, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, has recently addressed the significant advancements made by Nigerian troops in the war against terrorism. He reported that the military has successfully intensified operations, culminating in the elimination of prominent terrorist leaders and commanders, which has had a tangible impact on reducing terrorism in affected communities. This intensified military campaign has not just focused on high-profile targets; it also includes widespread operations across various regions that led to the arrests of numerous terrorists, the recovery of a substantial amount of weapons and ammunition, and the systematic destruction of terrorist hideouts. The military’s approach reflects their comprehensive strategy to tackle the multifaceted nature of terrorism, adapting to new challenges as they arise.
In his statements, Lagbaja highlighted innovative tactics employed by the Nigerian Armed Forces, particularly in the Lake Chad region, where unique geographical conditions, including flooding, have been leveraged to counteract terrorist movements. This strategic advantage was highlighted in cooperative operations involving the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF), aimed specifically at countering terrorism in the Lake Chad Basin. Notably, in August, the MNJTF successfully intercepted two critical supply syndicates linked to Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), leading to the elimination of over 1,166 terrorists across multiple hideouts and the arrest of 1,096 additional perpetrators. These successes signify a pivotal shift in operational outcomes against groups that have historically posed a severe threat to regional stability.
The military’s recent efforts have culminated in the apprehension and neutralization of several key figures in the terrorist hierarchy within Nigeria’s North-East and North-West regions. During a briefing in August 2024, Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, underscored the elimination of several high-ranking terrorists, including notorious figures such as Munir Arika and Sani Dilla, whose removal marks a significant blow to their operational capabilities. Perhaps most notably, the killing of the infamous terrorist leader Halilu Sububu by special forces in Zamfara State not only disrupted terrorist operations but also significantly uplifted the morale of citizens who had previously been terrorized by Sububu’s gang.
Alongside the initiatives combating organized terrorism, Nigerian military forces are also addressing other criminal activities disrupting societal peace, such as oil theft in the South-South region. Major General Buba reported the Joint Task Force’s recovery of over ₦5 billion in petroleum products and the dismantling of 339 illegal refining sites in the Niger Delta. These operations reflect a broader commitment to restoring law and order, not just against insurgent groups but also against criminal enterprises that threaten the nation’s economic and social well-being. Such efforts symbolize a holistic approach toward maintaining stability and security in the nation.
The dynamics of military operations have changed significantly with the advent of new challenges, such as natural disasters. The Nigerian military has demonstrated flexibility by utilizing the recent flooding in the Lake Chad region to flush out terrorists who were forced to seek refuge on higher ground, thereby exposing themselves to targeted military action. Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet remarked that these conditions facilitated successful air strikes that resulted in significant damage to terrorist hideouts. The military’s ability to adapt to these evolving circumstances reflects a strategic foresight and operational agility necessary for combating an unpredictable adversary.
As the situation continues to evolve, the Nigerian Defense Headquarters remains optimistic about replicating current successes across the nation in the fight against terrorism. Major General Buba emphasized the critical importance of community cooperation in these efforts, urging citizens to play an active role in supporting security agencies. This call for community engagement embodies the understanding that sustainable peace can only be achieved through a collective commitment to confronting the threats posed by terrorism, reinforcing the notion that when citizens and military forces collaborate, the possibility of restoring safety and stability increases significantly.
