KADUNA, NIGERIA – Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has reiterated the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) to restoring peace and enhancing security across Northern Nigeria. Speaking at a two-day interactive session on Government–Citizens Engagement organised by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation in Kaduna on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, General Musa detailed key military achievements since 2023.
Addressing a diverse audience of leaders, scholars, and civil society representatives, General Musa described the session as a timely platform to assess the administration’s performance in the security sector, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s strategic security directives.
Among the major highlights, General Musa noted the establishment of the Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre in Abuja and a dedicated Department of Training at Defence Headquarters, both aimed at strengthening joint operations and personnel preparedness. He also announced the graduation of over 800 Special Forces operatives, with hundreds more currently undergoing training in Jaji and Nasarawa, specifically tailored to address asymmetric threats in the North.
The CDS further detailed the restructuring of operations in the North-West into “Operation FANSAN YAMMA,” a unified joint task force. This includes the establishment of Defence Special Forces Brigades in Kaduna and Niger States, and additional sectors under Operations HADIN KAI and FANSAN YAMMA. He cited the expansion of Forward Operating Bases and the deployment of high-readiness units as critical moves in regaining control of volatile areas.
General Musa reported significant successes in combat efforts over the past two years, including the neutralisation of over 3,000 terrorists and bandits, the surrender of over 120,000 insurgents, and the rescue of more than 2,000 kidnapped victims. He also announced the recovery of over 2,300 arms and 72,000 rounds of ammunition across various theatres of operation in the North.
Beyond military operations, the CDS highlighted various peacebuilding initiatives, such as community sports competitions, reorientation campaigns, and strategic engagement with traditional leaders, governors, and civil society. These efforts, he said, have fostered trust and supported the return of displaced persons to their communities.
General Musa also detailed the Armed Forces’ contributions to economic empowerment through the establishment of ranches, schools, and ICT-based training centres, particularly in the North-East and North-West, aligning with the Federal Government’s local content policy. He acknowledged the growing role of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), AFIT, and other local defence manufacturers in military logistics and innovation.
In terms of regional diplomacy, General Musa mentioned his official visit to Niger Republic in August 2024 for security discussions aimed at managing cross-border threats and supporting peace in the sub-region. He also announced Nigeria’s upcoming hosting of the African Chiefs of Defence Conference from August 25–27, 2025, in Abuja, which seeks to foster continental dialogue and cooperation on security matters.
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