The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has stated that Nigeria recorded the least number of attacks within the country in 2024, even as he stated that the federal government is improving the border system, The PUNCH reports.
He stated this on Prime Time, an Arise Television programme, on Friday, while speaking on the latest global terrorism index which placed Nigeria in the sixth position, adding that there has been significant improvement in security in the country.
“And that is why the federal government is moving up, to make sure that we have a very wonderful border management system because we have to protect our borders.
“I will not speak for West Africa; I will speak for Nigeria. In 2024, we had the least number of attacks within the country. Things are really improving. Yes, we still have isolated issues. But, I can tell you the troops are really putting in their best.
“If you move around the country, you would see that a lot of things have improved; farmers are going back to their farms, there is a lot of peace. Nigerians know that things are really improving; we need to join hands together to do more,” he stated.
According to him, Nigeria stands to lose a lot if Niger Republic, Mali, and Burkina Faso do not return to democratic rule, saying that the three West African countries have been under military rule for the past few years.
“Like I said, we have issues of poverty in West Africa, a lot of governance issues, challenges with Niger Republic, Mali, and Burkina Faso. They are taking a lot of heat, and that is because the areas are large, there is a lot of poverty within those areas, climate change is one major issue on the ground, and lack of political will is causing these issues,” Musa said.
“And those are the things trying to pour into Nigeria. Whatever effort we are making, as long as these things are there, it is going to be a challenge.
“The truth about it is that, especially for these three countries, they must get their leadership right, and then they can do a lot. And, that is why for us in Nigeria, we have a lot to lose if they do not get it right —they must have a democratic system that will be able to assist them in taking decisions that will help the country,” he added.
Musa said the federal government is making efforts to strengthen border management between Nigeria and the three countries to avert security threats.
In another development, the Nigerian Army in a statement on its X handle on Friday, said it has continued the engagement with stakeholders, farmers and herders in order to ensure a successful 2025 farming season within its Joint Operations Area.
The statement, posted by Samson Zhakom, the Media Information Officer for Operation SAFE HAVEN, followed a stakeholders’ engagement held in Mangu, Plateau State. The General Officer Commanding 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander of Operation SAFE HAVEN, Major General Folusho Oyinlola, stated that the engagement was crucial for preparing the minds of herders and farmers for a successful farming season in 2025.
He described the theme of the engagement which is “Consolidating on the Security Gains for a Peaceful Farming Season” as a catalyst for peace and prosperity in communities.
Oyinlola reiterated the commitment of 3 Division and OPSH to continue exploring robust non-kinetic strategies towards fostering peaceful coexistence in communities. The commander added that the people of Mangu and Pankshin LGAs must agree to live together irrespective of religion and ethnic background, to achieve stability and economic prosperity.