By Ndahi Marama, Maiduguri

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has described the recent Boko Haram/ISWAP attacks on military formations and communities in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states as merely an eclipse.

He reassured that the Nigerian military remains determined and committed to quickly suppressing the insurgency.

General Musa made the remarks on Thursday in Maiduguri, Borno State, while leading security chiefs on an assessment visit to the Theatre Command North East, Operation Hadin Kai, at the 7 Division, Maimalari Cantonment.

Over the past one to two months, armed terrorists have successfully invaded and dislodged military formations in Sabon Gari, Buni-Gari, Izge, Yamtake, Wulgo, Marte, and Rann. These Non-State Actors also raided and razed many communities, leaving numerous security personnel, innocent civilians, and some Boko Haram members dead or injured.

The CDS first visited Giwa Barracks in Maiduguri, where he observed the damage caused by recent explosions at the armoury due to heat waves.

He later visited Maimalari Cantonment, where he held a closed-door meeting with the Theatre Commander, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, and senior military officials.

Briefing journalists, General Musa said the renewed attacks should not cause alarm, stressing that the Nigerian military and security agencies remain in control of the situation.

He emphasized that security is not the responsibility of one person alone and called on all Nigerians to join the fight for peace and development.

He urged journalists to focus on reporting the successes of the troops rather than giving the insurgents unwanted publicity.

He said: “As you are all aware, I was in Borno State with the Ministers of Defence and other service chiefs three weeks ago to assess the security situation. I thought it wise to return to reassess the renewed attacks and engage stakeholders on the way forward. The pockets of attacks should not be a cause for concern as the military and security agencies are firmly in control.

“Security is not a one-man business. I appeal to everyone to join the fight against Boko Haram/ISWAP, banditry, kidnapping, and all forms of criminality for the peace and development of our country.

“The federal government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to bringing lasting peace and development to all parts of Nigeria.

“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. We are working diligently to address these challenges.

“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.

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