North East Alert: Terrorists Flee as Army Gains Upper Hand

North East Alert: Terrorists Flee as Army Gains Upper Hand

North East Nigeria may be facing fresh attacks, but the military says there is no reason for citizens to panic. Top defence officials have declared that they are firmly in charge and are working around the clock to defeat the terrorists threatening peace in the region.

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, delivered this message during a press briefing in Maiduguri. He assured Nigerians that the recent waves of attacks do not signal weakness, but rather the desperation of terrorists who are being pushed back across the region.

“The pockets of attacks should not be a cause for concern as the military and security agencies are firmly in control,” Mr Musa said while speaking to journalists.

The Defence Chief travelled to Maiduguri to assess the latest developments firsthand. Though other senior military leaders had previously visited the area, Mr Musa insisted on engaging directly with local commanders and civilian stakeholders to strengthen collaboration and morale.

His visit is part of a broader strategy aimed at reinforcing the region’s security architecture and building trust among the people. “Security is not a one-man business,” he said. “I appeal to everyone to join the fight against Boko Haram and ISWAP, banditry, kidnapping, and all forms of criminality for the peace and development of our country.”

Mr Musa emphasized that while the military continues to fight on the frontlines, community members also play a vital role in ensuring lasting peace. According to him, many of the attacks are being launched by desperate insurgents who have been forced to flee from neighbouring countries.

He linked the renewed threats in the North  East to pressure being mounted on terrorist groups in the Sahel region. These armed groups, he explained, are being flushed out of other strongholds and are now seeking new hiding spots within Nigeria’s porous borders, especially around the Lake Chad Basin.

“What we are witnessing here is an eclipse caused by pressure on terrorists in the Sahel region, forcing them to increase attacks in Nigeria, especially around the porous borders of the Lake Chad Basin,” Mr Musa stated.

While this shift has caused anxiety among residents, the Defence Chief says Nigeria is ready to meet the challenge head-on. He disclosed that the government has made significant investments in new weaponry and is set to launch a stronger, smarter counterattack against terrorism in the region.

“We have procured more sophisticated weapons which will soon be deployed alongside new strategies to end the madness of terrorism,” he said.

Mr Musa also referenced his recent trip to Russia, explaining that Nigeria used the opportunity to engage with global stakeholders in the fight against terrorism while maintaining a neutral stance on international conflicts.

“During my recent trip to Russia, Nigeria maintained a non-aligned stance but engaged with key stakeholders ready to partner with us in this fight,” he noted.

According to him, the fresh partnerships and military equipment will give Nigeria a strategic edge in counterterrorism operations. The new wave of actions will focus on speed, precision, and intelligence-led missions that aim to neutralize threats before they strike.

During his stay in Maiduguri, the Defence Chief also visited Giwa Barracks, where a recent explosion at the armoury raised concerns. The incident was reportedly caused by extreme heat, a growing threat due to changing climate conditions. Mr Musa inspected the site and assured troops that safety measures are being reviewed and improved.

He later held a high-level meeting with senior officers of Operation Hadin Kai at the 7 Division, Maimalari Cantonment. The discussions focused on tactical coordination, intelligence sharing, and troop welfare—three pillars Mr Musa believes are key to defeating insurgency once and for all.

His visit also aimed to boost troop morale and reassure citizens that the Nigerian Armed Forces are not backing down. “We are working tirelessly. We are deploying better tools, but above all, we need Nigerians to believe in this fight and stand with us,” he said.

Mr Musa acknowledged that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is fully backing the military’s efforts. He credited the government for funding new equipment, increasing troop welfare, and pushing for reforms in national security planning.

He noted that the president’s vision includes both military victory and long-term development for communities in the North East. According to him, economic growth and education must go hand in hand with security to ensure peace lasts.

Though many families in the region have been affected by years of violence, Mr Musa says now is the time to turn the tide.

“This fight is no longer just about bullets and guns,” he said. “It’s about hope. It’s about standing strong as a people and refusing to let fear control our lives.”

He said the military is determined to reclaim every inch of Nigerian territory and restore normalcy so children can return to school, farmers can safely tend their crops, and families can rebuild their lives.

Despite the fear and loss that many communities have suffered, Mr Musa said the renewed military push will deliver results soon. The days of insurgents ruling over villages and disrupting daily life, he stressed, are coming to an end.

He called on Nigerians to report suspicious movements and resist being used by criminals to spread misinformation or create panic. “Our enemy feeds on fear. When we stay united and calm, we win half the battle,” he said.

Mr Musa’s message was firm but hopeful—North East Nigeria is under pressure, but not defeated. The military is evolving, the strategy is shifting, and the will of the people remains unbroken.

And with new weapons, global partnerships, and local support, the Defence Chief believes the region will soon reclaim the peace and dignity it deserves.