.Nigeria ‘ll not bow to criminal elements, says Information Minister
.As security agencies move to restore peace in Plateau
.Troops neutralise terror leaders, rescue 813 victims , recover 547,920 litres of stolen oil – DHQ
CHIGOZIE AMADI
The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa rtd., on Tuesday ordered troops in the Frontline to shoot on sight on any terrorist without waiting for further orders.
Musa while addressing the troops alongside the Minister of Defence for the state, Bello Matawalle, in Maiduguri said that the Nigerian military had already deployed new strategies to end the insurgency in the entire North-east.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the visit follows waves of attacks by the Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in some communities in the region, especially in Borno.
“You are making tremendous sacrifices—many have lost their lives, and many have been injured. While we cannot fully compensate you, be assured that your dedication has not gone unnoticed.
“The President and all Nigerians appreciate your resilience. Stay disciplined, focused, and committed to finishing the fight against terrorism and banditry.
“Our enemies do not wish us well, and we must remain unwavering,” the minister said.
He also announced that the President Bola Tinubu has approved the procurement of new aircraft, new drones, among others in order for the troops to perform their tasks without difficulty.
“So, I want to appeal to you, not to get tired. Please don’t allow anybody to come and convince you to do anything illegal. Whether drugs, ammunition, weapons, you don’t have any business and our business here is to go and look for Boko Haram and kill them. Is that clear?
“You don’t have to wait for any order from anybody. To find them out is your duty wherever you are deployed. You take them down. So, I don’t want to hear the aspect of somebody saying he was waiting for any order.
“Victory is temporary; our ultimate goal is everlasting success. Nigeria is greater than any challenge, and external negativity will not demoralize us,” Musa said.
The minister insisted that with continued focus, new equipment, and international cooperation, Nigerian Military was determined to secure the country and uphold its sovereignty.
He, however, expressed happiness that the Armed forces forces are performing exceptionally well, saying their sacrifices are profound.
“We have more victories than defeats, and Nigerians should be proud of the resilience and dedication of our armed forces in safeguarding our nation,” Musa said.
The minister, however, announced that the just approved salary increments for the military personnel would be implemented by the federal government in the next three months, adding that a three months salary arrears will immediately be paid thereafter.
He, therefore, urged Nigerians to continue to support the military and avoid dwelling on their failures, adding that “the sacrifices made by our troops—who leave their families behind and work tirelessly—deserve our recognition and support.
“The story of their bravery must be told accurately, and we must stand united in strength and encouragement,” he added.
Earlier, the ministers also visited the Deputy Governor of Borno, Dr Usman Kadafur, and reassured the state authorities of the federal government’s commitments toward restoring peace in the state.
While responding, Kadafur said that the visit of the two ministers was a clear demonstration of the federal government’s readiness to overhaul security strategies in the fight against insurgency in the North-east.
Meanwhile, Musa also inaugurated housing units for military officers at Maimalari Barracks before departing for Abuja.
Also, the Federal Government has reiterated its resolve to protect lives and property across the country, declaring that Nigeria will not bow to criminal elements or acts of violence as it moves to restore lasting peace in the Plateau.
The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made this known on Tuesday, during a press briefing in Abuja, while addressing the security situation in Plateau State following the recent attack in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North. “Nigeria will not yield to criminal elements. We will protect our people, and we will prevail,” the Minister stated.
“Nigerians must not allow criminal elements to divide communities. Nigeria’s unity remains strong, and we must all work together to sustain peace and stability across the country,” he added
The Minister expressed deep concern over the incident and extended condolences to the families of the victims, as well as to the government and people of Plateau State. He assured Nigerians that security agencies responded swiftly to the attack. According to him, troops under Operation Enduring Peace were immediately deployed, while the military and other security agencies secured the area and launched operations to track down those responsible.
“These swift actions ensured that the situation was quickly contained and prevented further escalation,” said Idris, noting that the response forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen security across Plateau state and the wider North-Central region.
Idris explained that the Federal Government has sustained military and intelligence-led operations in vulnerable communities, supported by increased surveillance, troop deployments, and joint patrols involving the military and the police. He added that these measures are aimed at preventing further attacks and maintaining stability.
Idris also assured that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains fully committed to addressing security challenges through targeted operations and strategic coordination among security agencies. He disclosed that the President has already met with top security and intelligence chiefs to review the situation and take further decisive steps.
He also noted that the Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has been invited for further consultations to strengthen collaboration and ensure a coordinated response towards lasting peace.
The Minister acknowledged steps taken by the Plateau State Government, including the imposition of a 48-hour curfew in Jos North to stabilise the situation and support ongoing operations. He stressed that federal and state authorities are working closely to prevent reprisals, restore calm, and facilitate investigations.
While describing the attack as deeply regrettable, Idris stated that it does not represent a breakdown of national security, but a criminal act in a conflict-prone area that is being actively addressed. He assured Nigerians that those responsible will be brought to justice. “There will be no safe haven for criminal elements anywhere in Nigeria,” he said.
The Minister reassured Nigerians that the situation in Plateau State is under control and urged Nigerians to remain calm and law-abiding. He also cautioned against the spread of unverified information, noting that such actions could worsen tensions and undermine security efforts.
The Federal Government, he said, will continue to strengthen intelligence gathering, operational readiness, and inter-agency coordination to stay ahead of emerging threats and ensure lasting peace nationwide
In another development, The Defence Headquarters has reported significant breakthroughs in its nationwide security operations, neutralizing several top terrorist commanders, arresting 1,359 suspects , rescuing 813 kidnapped victims and surrender 197 insurgents within the first quarter of 2026.
Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this at a press briefing in Abuja, saying that the success es were recorded across multiple theatres including the North East, North West, North Central, South South and South East
Onoja stated that one of the most notable developments was the confirmed killing of a senior commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province, Abu Yahya Al-Muhajir, a member of the group’s Shura Council, noting that this reflected the increasing pressure being mounted on insurgent leadership structures.
Onoja explained that under Operation HADIN KAI, troops had sustained aggressive assaults on insurgents linked to Boko Haram, ISWAP and other terrorist factions across the North East, leading to the arrest of 274 suspects, rescue of 168 kidnapped victims, and the surrender of 90 insurgents within the quarter.
He further disclosed that in March, precision airstrikes in Sambisa Forest eliminated multiple high-profile terrorist leaders, while coordinated attacks in parts of Borno and Yobe states were successfully repelled.
He added that troops also foiled attempts to infiltrate IDP camps and disrupted logistics supply chains, including fuel smuggling operations intended for terrorist use.
The Defence spokesman noted that in the North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA recorded the rescue of 386 kidnapped victims and the arrest of 114 suspects, adding that troops dismantled terrorist enclaves, intercepted logistics suppliers, and apprehended a suspected gunrunner transporting ammunition toward Kaduna.
Onoja stated that across the North Central region, operations under SAVANNAH SHIELD and ENDURING PEACE resulted in the neutralisation of terrorist elements, arrests of suspects, and interception of explosive materials.
He added that troops also foiled attacks, rescued abducted civilians, and uncovered sophisticated methods used by criminals to transport ammunition.
According to him, troops operating under Operation DELTA SAFE intensified the crackdown on oil theft in the Niger Delta, dismantling 101 illegal refining sites and recovering over 547,000 litres of stolen petroleum products, while several suspects linked to kidnapping and illegal refining activities were arrested.
Onoja also revealed that operations under UDO KA targeted criminal elements associated with the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed wing, leading to the arrest of 91 suspects, rescue of kidnapped victims, and destruction of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) during clearance operations in Imo and Anambra states.
Nationwide Impact
Summarising the nationwide impact, Onoja said AFN operations across all theatres led to the rescue of 813 kidnapped civilians, arrest of 1,359 suspects, surrender of 197 insurgents, and recovery of hundreds of weapons and thousands of rounds of ammunition.
He added that the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, had commended troops for their resilience and professionalism, while reaffirming the military’s commitment to intensifying operations against terrorism and criminality.
Onoja further urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies with timely intelligence, stressing that public cooperation remained crucial in sustaining the gains recorded so far.
