Mohamed Garba
In a statement from the frontline, the Nigerian Armed Forces have delivered a decisive blow to terrorism in the North-West, killing at least 1,770 terrorists and apprehending 3,070 others over the past three years.
The announcement was made by Chief of Defense Staff, General Christopher Musa, during a sensitization exercise in Katsina, held for residents of Batsari and Dutsin-Ma Local Government Areas.
General Musa outlined that the military’s operations across five North-West states—Katsina, Kaduna, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara—have not only disrupted terrorist activities but also recovered over 1,000 types of weapons and 12,000 rounds of ammunition.
“The army is doing its best in fighting the security situation,” he stated, emphasizing that the recorded successes are part of a broader nationwide campaign to restore peace and order.
The operation, undertaken as part of the “Military Diplomacy Campaign to Communities and Cultural Groups Across Nigeria,” aims to strengthen community cooperation for national security. The strategic exercise brought together military leaders and local residents in a bid to forge stronger bonds and encourage vigilance among communities.
In addition to targeting terrorist networks, the Nigerian military successfully rescued more than 2,515 victims through a series of coordinated operations in the affected states. During the community outreach, General Musa reminded residents that maintaining peace is a collective responsibility.
“This fight for peace is not just for the military, it is a fight we must all join together,” he declared, urging communities to report suspicious activities and support one another.
In his address, General Musa also noted that the military is currently re-strategising to restore a sense of normalcy and safety to all frontline communities. This reorientation reflects an ongoing commitment to proactive security measures amidst evolving threats.While many residents acknowledged the improved security, some concerns still linger.
Community members in Batsari appreciated recent efforts, particularly the dialogue with repentant criminals, which has contributed to a notable reduction in violence. However, others voiced their anxiety. Mallam Lawal Rabi’u, a local resident, raised concerns regarding persistent attacks by bandits from neighbouring Local Government Areas where similar reconciliation initiatives have yet to be implemented.
Despite these challenges, the overarching message from the military remains one of collective strength and hope. General Musa’s call for unity—“Together, we can silence the sound of violence with the voice of peace”—resonated strongly among those gathered, underscoring the idea that lasting peace depends on the joint efforts of both the military and the Nigerian citizenry.
