Chief of Defence Staff Visits Borno Following Wave of Terrorist Attacks

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has arrived in Borno State amid heightened military tensions following a series of deadly attacks on military bases by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists.

Sources confirm that four military formations came under coordinated assault this week, prompting urgent high-level security assessments in the region. Specifically, military bases in Rann, Gajiram, Dikwa, and Marte in Borno State were targeted, resulting in the deaths of at least four soldiers and an undisclosed number of casualties and missing personnel.

Additionally, on May 5, Boko Haram insurgents attacked the 27 Task Force Brigade in Buni Yadi, Gujba LGA of Yobe State, killing four soldiers and destroying multiple assets.

General Musa’s visit is aimed at boosting troop morale, evaluating on-ground operations, and coordinating a reinforced response to the renewed insurgent threats in Nigeria’s troubled northeast.

During his visit to Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, the CDS met with stakeholders, military commanders, and frontline troops to address the security breaches and recent attacks.

Speaking after a closed-door meeting with heads of military formations and commanders in the state, General Musa stated, “Actions are being taken to address the recent series of attacks. We have a new theatre commander assigned here, and other commanders have also been redeployed. A lot of equipment has been brought into the theatre.”

He attributed the resurgence of Boko Haram attacks in Borno State to growing instability in Sahel countries such as Mali, Chad, and Niger.

“If you look at the entire Sahel region, you’ll realise that the pressure in Mali, Chad, and Niger has significantly impacted Nigeria. That is why we’ve seen these recent attacks, but we are taking them very seriously and addressing them,” He said

General Musa assured that the resurgence of attacks was temporary, emphasizing, “Whatever is happening now is just for a short while. We have responded drastically, and going forward, there will be positive results from the theatre.”

“As we speak, our troops are out there in Sambisa and Timbuktu conducting operations.”

The CDS revealed that more equipment and air assets were being deployed, with additional actions underway to suppress the insurgents.

On the challenges of asymmetric warfare, he noted, “This type of warfare is very difficult because, unlike conventional warfare where you can bomb a whole community, here we have to respect human rights and protect civilians who are not combatants.”

“It requires time and precision. But I can assure you we are heading in the right direction and will continue to do more.”

General Musa also commended the resilience of Borno State residents and reaffirmed the military’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property.

“I want to assure the people of Maiduguri, the North-East, and Nigerians in general that the Armed Forces of Nigeria are determined, willing, and capable of restoring peace and security.

“We are working tirelessly toward that goal.”

He appealed to journalists for balanced reporting to avoid emboldening insurgents, saying, “Let us be fair and balanced in our reports. If our stories focus solely on what the insurgents are doing, we empower them psychologically and motivate them to continue.

“Let us uplift our troops through our reporting.”

The visit comes as part of a broader effort by service chiefs to address the deteriorating security situation across Nigeria’s North-East and North-West.

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has been touring strategic locations in Zamfara, Kano, and Katsina, while the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, visited the headquarters of Operation Hadin Kai in Borno to lead operations and encourage troops.

A senior military official confirmed, “The service chiefs have been working very hard to ensure the attacks witnessed in recent times are reduced to the barest minimum.

“They are not sitting idle; they’re all actively engaged.”

Security experts have expressed concern over the increasing frequency of attacks.

Retired officer Chris Andrew emphasized the need for greater deployment of technology,

“A few months before Jonathan left office, the Boko Haram terrorists were effectively tackled by mercenaries who came with drones and other technologies, they succeeded by about 99 percent.”

Security analyst Oladele Fajana described the loss of military equipment to insurgents as alarming and warning.

“For such attacks to succeed, it points to a failure in intelligence gathering. That system needs urgent improvement.”

Further details of General Musa’s itinerary and operational updates are expected as the visit unfolds.

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