Defence chief blames renewed attacks on Sahel crisis, porous borders

Christopher Musa, the chief of defence staff, says terrorists are intensifying attacks across the Sahel region.

Musa spoke on Friday after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu, the security chiefs and the inspector-general of police at State House.

There has been an uptick in insurgents attacks in the northern part of the country, with military bases not spared.

Speaking with journalists, the defence chief said the escalations of terrorists activities in the Sahel have spilled into the country due to the “porous” borders.

He added that the meeting reviewed the “entire security situation” in the country.

“The president is concerned about what is happening, and we have reassured him that we are on top of our game. We are working extremely very hard,” he said.

“What has happened of recent is the global push by terrorists and jihadists all over the Sahel area, and that pressure is what came into Nigeria because of the nature of our borders.”

Musa said Tinubu has directed the service chiefs on what should be done to address the nation’s security situation.

He said Nigeria is collaborating with neighbouring countries to fight the insurgents, saying the porous borders are “aggravating” the situation in the country.

The defence chief noted that all theatres of operations in the country have been enhanced and equipment procured.

“Mr president has also given us much approval for air access and other aspect of security,” he said.

Musa said the president is also engaging with the governors for support to “stamp down insecurity”.

“We are working together as a team to make sure that Nigeria is peaceful. That is our mandate,” Musa said.

The defence chief warned against fake news, saying most videos of insurgent attacks circulated online are either old or occurred in other countries.

“You always wonder why some individuals feel happy when things go bad in their country. If Nigeria is destroyed, all of us will go down,” he said.

He sought support from Nigerians to cooperate with the military and security agencies to ensure Nigeria is safe.

“If you see something going wrong anywhere in the country, report it to us and action would be taken,” he said.

“If you see our personnel doing what they are not supposed to do, report them.”

Musa said that the federal government is “doing so much” in tackling insecurity, adding that states and LGs must also play their role.