ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Nigeria’s war against insurgency took a harder turn on Tuesday as the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, ordered troops in the North-East to take out terrorists on sight without waiting for further approval.
The directive, delivered in Maiduguri during a morale-boosting visit to frontline soldiers, signals a shift toward more aggressive battlefield engagement following renewed attacks by Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters across parts of the region.
Standing before battle-weary troops, Musa made the message unmistakably 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 about somebody saying he was waiting for any order.”
The Defence Minister, who visited alongside Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, said the Federal Government has already rolled out new strategies aimed at finally crushing insurgency in the North-East.
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The visit itself followed fresh waves of deadly attacks in Borno and surrounding communities a development that has heightened urgency within military circles.
Musa, however, acknowledged the heavy sacrifices of troops, many of whom have paid the ultimate price on the battlefield.
“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,” he said.
“The President and all Nigerians appreciate your resilience. Stay disciplined, focused, and committed to finishing the fight against terrorism and banditry.”
Beyond words, the minister revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the acquisition of new military hardware, including aircraft and drones, to strengthen operations and improve troop efficiency.
“Our enemies do not wish us well, and we must remain unwavering,” Musa added, urging soldiers not to be distracted or compromised under any circumstance.
“Please don’t let anyone come and convince you to do anything illegal. Whether drugs, ammunition, weapons, you don’t have any business our business here is to go and look for Boko Haram and kill them. Is that clear?”
Despite recent attacks, Musa insisted that the Armed Forces still hold the upper hand in the fight.
“We have more victories than defeats, and Nigerians should be proud of the resilience and dedication of our armed forces in safeguarding our nation,” he said.
In a move likely to boost morale, the minister also disclosed that newly approved salary increments for military personnel would be implemented within three months, with arrears to follow immediately after.
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He called on Nigerians to stand firmly behind the military, stressing that public support remains critical in sustaining the fight against terrorism.
“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,” he said.
During the visit, the ministers also met with Borno State Deputy Governor, Dr Usman Kadafur, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to restoring lasting peace in the region.
Musa further commissioned newly completed housing units for officers at Maimalari Barracks before departing for Abuja another signal, officials say, of ongoing efforts to improve troop welfare alongside intensified combat operations.