The Chief of Defense Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has revealed a significant milestone in Nigeria’s fight against insurgency: approximately 200,000 terrorists in the Northeast have surrendered and laid down their arms. This achievement, he stated, is largely due to the combined implementation of kinetic (military) and non-kinetic (non-military) strategies by the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Key Highlights from the Security and Justice Symposium
This revelation was made at the Security and Justice Symposium in Abuja, an event organized by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in collaboration with the British High Commission. Themed “Securing Peace, Ensuring Justice, Protection, Conduct, and Accountability,” the symposium brought together key stakeholders to discuss Nigeria’s security challenges and strategies for sustainable peace.
Insights from General Musa
Twin Strategies for Success
General Musa attributed the progress in the fight against terrorism to a balanced application of kinetic and non-kinetic approaches. While kinetic measures involve military actions, non-kinetic efforts focus on addressing underlying social and economic grievances.- Kinetic Operations: These have been pivotal in disrupting terrorist operations, particularly in neutralizing their logistics and funding channels.
- Non-Kinetic Operations: These include dialogue, reintegration programs for repentant fighters, and efforts to address economic disparities that fuel insurgency.
Addressing Key Challenges
- Informants and Logistics: Musa highlighted the challenge posed by informants who aid terrorists with information and resources. Cutting off their “oxygen”—funding and logistics—has been a critical focus of military strategy.
- Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs): IEDs remain a significant threat, necessitating continuous innovation and adaptation to counter insurgents’ evolving tactics.
The Role of Justice and Equity
Musa emphasized that peace is impossible without fairness, equity, and justice. The military’s strategies aim to foster trust and provide tangible benefits of democracy to communities affected by conflict.Collaborative Efforts
Acknowledging Nigeria’s geopolitical position, Musa called for stronger cooperation with neighboring Francophone countries and international partners to tackle cross-border terrorism.
Remarks from National and International Stakeholders
- National Security Adviser (NSA): Mallam Nuhu Ribadu stressed the importance of integrating military operations with law enforcement, protecting civilians, and promoting accountability. Ribadu commended the symposium’s collaborative nature, involving various stakeholders from government, military, civil society, and human rights organizations.
- British High Commissioner: Richard Montgomery praised Nigeria’s emphasis on blending civil and military strategies. He underscored the need to uphold human rights and international humanitarian law, acknowledging the complexity of applying these principles in protracted conflicts.
International Collaboration
The UK has been a strong partner in Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts. Montgomery noted the importance of shared lessons from global conflicts and highlighted the need for a multifaceted approach to security challenges, particularly in West Africa.
Broader Implications
The surrender of 200,000 terrorists marks a turning point in the fight against insurgency, but the journey to lasting peace remains long. The success of Nigeria’s strategy lies not only in military victories but also in creating an environment where communities can thrive.
Key areas for continued focus include:
- Strengthening non-kinetic measures to address the root causes of insurgency.
- Enhancing regional and international partnerships for intelligence sharing and capacity building.
- Upholding accountability, justice, and human rights to foster trust in state institutions.
Conclusion
The symposium highlighted Nigeria’s progress and challenges in securing peace. With continued innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to justice, the country aims to sustain these gains and address the underlying issues that fuel insecurity. The road ahead requires resilience, but the surrender of such a large number of terrorists offers hope for a more peaceful future.
