Terrorists thrive on civilian logistics support – Musa, Defence Minister

 

 

 

 

When will the military’s reported gains translate into tangible safety for ordinary Nigerians—the freedom to travel, farm, work and sleep without fear? Given the military’s statistics, can you confidently say Nigeria is safer today?

Yes. Thank you again for the opportunity. When people have become accustomed to insecurity, isolated incidents can sometimes create the impression that nothing has changed. But the reality is that troops are now pushing into terrorists’ enclaves and recovering many abducted persons. There has been an improvement in security. You no longer hear of Boko Haram or ISWAP carrying out the kind of frequent, brazen attacks witnessed in the past. What we are dealing with more now are kidnappings and isolated terrorist attacks. As I have explained, the trajectory can move from criminality to kidnapping, insurgency and terrorism, and when security forces apply pressure, it begins to decline. Kidnapping is often an easier means for criminals to raise funds. There is also a social dimension. Family and societal values have weakened in some areas, with people believing they can abduct others simply to make money. That is why every Nigerian must understand that security agencies cannot do it alone. These criminals live among communities. People see them buying supplies in markets and carrying out other activities. Once we receive credible information, action is taken. I can assure you that things are improving. Such incidents are not as rampant as they once were, and when they occur, security agencies respond and work to rescue the victims.

 

 

The military reported conducting more than 7,000 operations in July and August, killing 1,487 terrorists, arresting 354 suspects and rescuing 777 victims. Yet, 93 security personnel and 249 civilians were killed. Should security success be measured by enemy casualties, or by reduced attacks, kidnappings and criminal control of territory? What measurable indicators show that security has improved since you became Defence Minister?

The truth is that we no longer experience the kind of brazen attacks we saw in the past. Boko Haram fighters used to enter communities openly, attack them and withdraw. You hardly see that now. Occasionally, they attempt attacks in isolated locations. They look for soft targets where they believe they can create maximum impact. One question Nigerians should also ask is why attacks sometimes appear to spike around election periods. That is something worth examining.

 

 

Are you suggesting that politics could be responsible? Could some people be deliberately escalating insecurity to portray the government as ineffective?

You cannot completely dismiss any possibility. But what I can say is that we have prevented many attacks, and even where kidnappings occur, we have made significant efforts to rescue victims. There are many successful operations that are not publicly reported. For us, every Nigerian life lost is painful. I personally feel deeply concerned whenever I hear of an attack. However, we are recording more successes. Our troops are pushing deeper into terrorist enclaves and making life increasingly difficult for them.

 

 

One major area where Nigerians can assist is by denying these criminals logistical support. Imagine if they could not access fuel for their motorcycles. Who supplies them food, water and other essentials?

These informants and logisticians are helping to prolong the conflict, often without appreciating the wider consequences. Their actions allow insecurity to continue, and everyone suffers. You can see the wider regional challenge in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger Republic. Instability across the Sahel has consequences for Nigeria, which remains an attractive target because of its size and economic opportunities. But we are working assiduously. Service rivalry has reduced, the security agencies are more focused, and everyone is working towards the same objective. We are getting results.

 

 

Why was there a spike in attacks in August?

As I said, elections are approaching in January, and political activities are beginning. Historically, there have been periods when insecurity appears to increase around elections, and that is something we must examine carefully.

 

 

Are you suggesting that politicians could be involved?

You cannot rule anybody out. Anything is possible.

 

 

You have suggested that attacks often increase around elections. Is there empirical evidence linking this pattern directly to politics?

If you examine the records, you may notice a pattern in which insecurity declines after elections and gradually builds up as another election approaches. It has been a consistent trend. This year is not entirely different. The positive development, however, is that the security agencies are working closely to prevent and contain these threats. You cannot eliminate insecurity overnight, but I can tell you that the intensity has reduced. We are pushing further to address the challenges.

 

 

Some foreign security assessments have suggested that only one state in North-Central Nigeria can be considered safe. What is your response to such reports?

First, we need to define what we mean by “safe.” I do not think any country can claim to be completely safe.

 

 

But what is your assessment of such a security advisory?

I do not know the basis or source of that report. The reality is that there are security challenges in different parts of the world. But is the situation so bad that Nigerians cannot live their lives? No. People continue with their normal activities. Security incidents often receive significant attention because of their impact. Even in Europe and other developed countries, isolated attacks occur, but that does not mean every part of those countries is unsafe. What we are trying to encourage Nigerians to understand is that security should not be left entirely to security agencies. Citizens have a responsibility to report suspicious activities and assist authorities in preventing crime.

 

 

You have linked the recent spike in attacks to the election season. Nigerians have also repeatedly been told that politicians and wealthy individuals finance terrorism. Why has it been so difficult to identify and publicly name those behind terror financing?

Nigeria is a complex environment, and before naming anyone, you must have all the facts. Cases ultimately go to court, and without sufficient evidence, they can be dismissed. There have been reports and investigations in the past, including arrests and the submission of names, but allegations alone are not enough for successful prosecution. One encouraging development is the ongoing effort to strengthen national data collection and identification systems. A comprehensive database will make it easier to establish identities, distinguish Nigerians from foreigners and trace individuals involved in criminal activities. In other countries, robust identification systems make it easier to track people and investigate crimes. Nigeria must strengthen its systems so that anyone linked to a crime can be identified and investigated quickly.

 

 

Where does the investigation into the alleged coup plot and allegations involving former minister Timipre Sylva stand?

I understand that the DSS and NIA are still investigating. They are taking their time to establish the facts, and when the investigations are concluded, the details will emerge.

 

 

Why have some of the alleged coup plotters not yet been prosecuted?

Investigations have been conducted, and some matters are already before the courts. Once a case is in court, it is no longer entirely within our control.

 

 

What more can you tell Nigerians about the alleged coup plot?

What I can say is that the plot was real and those involved intended to carry it out. From what we have seen, they were misguided individuals. Members of the Armed Forces understand that democracy is better for the country. Since the return to democratic rule, Nigeria has made significant progress. There is no justification for attempting to undermine democracy.

 

 

Do you believe the alleged coup was politically motivated, and have investigators established the plotters’ intentions?

From what we have seen, there does not appear to be any compelling justification for what they attempted to do. Perhaps some of them were influenced by memories of past military regimes and the privileges associated with political power. But there is no strong reason to undermine the democratic system we have today.

 

Reports suggest that personnel around the Presidential Villa may have aided the alleged plot. Where are those individuals now?

Everyone whose name has emerged is part of the ongoing investigation. Those found to have no case to answer will be released, while those against whom credible evidence exists will face the law.

 

 

Are some suspects still at large?

Yes, I believe there are still some individuals being sought. Investigators are being painstaking because we do not want innocent people blamed or punished. The objective is to ensure that only those genuinely involved and against whom evidence exists are prosecuted.

 

 

What lessons should the military and the country draw from the alleged coup plot?

The major lesson, particularly for members of the military, is not to allow themselves to be misled. Some of these young officers may have been influenced by promises of positions and opportunities without fully understanding the consequences. But such involvement can permanently affect their lives and careers. Nobody should contemplate a coup in Nigeria. Democracy has its challenges, but we should work to improve it rather than undermine it. Even the United States continues to confront challenges after more than two centuries of democracy. We should identify our problems, address them and move forward. The incident has also provided important lessons for presidential security. Security arrangements must constantly be reviewed, and gaps closed. We need to understand the mental capacity, loyalty and commitment of people working in sensitive environments. I can assure Nigerians that the Armed Forces remain stable and that all security agencies are working seriously towards national security and success.

 

 

There are suggestions that President Bola Tinubu is taking steps to keep the military satisfied. Is that your assessment?

I believe the President appreciates what members of the military are doing. Anyone who risks his life for the country deserves proper support. I also want to appreciate the President for his attention to the welfare of serving personnel and pensioners. I understand the concerns raised by some pensioners over delayed payments. As a pensioner myself, I understand those concerns. Directives have been given, and payments are expected to be addressed.

 

 

Will security concerns affect the President’s ability to campaign across the country?

No, not at all. The President will be able to campaign across the country.

 

 

Are you part of the President’s campaign structure?

Yes.

 

 

In what capacity?

I am involved in security matters. I am the Minister of Defence.

 

 

Should a serving Defence Minister be involved in partisan campaign activities?

I am a member of the APC, but I remain a professional. I will never compromise my professional responsibility because of partisan interests. Nigeria remains my priority. Whatever is required to protect Nigeria is what we stand for.

 

 

So, in carrying out your duties, you do not see the PDP, NDC or ADC differently?

No. I see Nigeria.

 

 

But you are also involved in APC campaign security. How do you reconcile that with your responsibility as Defence Minister?

My primary responsibility is to Nigeria. Nigerians should be assured that I will not let them down. Every Nigerian is important to us. We want Nigeria to be safe, and we want a peaceful election. As Minister of Defence, I will work with all relevant institutions and political parties to ensure that the Armed Forces and other security agencies act professionally. We will support INEC to ensure that elections are free, fair and credible. Nigeria must move beyond recurring election-related crises.

 

 

Are you confident of winning your polling unit and ward for the APC?

Of course.

 

 

Are you politically influential enough to deliver your area?

Yes, I believe so.

 

 

Are you still learning the political ropes?

Yes, I am learning.

 

 

Is Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani your political teacher?

I have a very good governor who is doing well. Governor Uba Sani has made noticeable efforts since assuming office. Kaduna was deeply divided in the past, but the governor has made deliberate efforts to unite the state and give different groups a sense of belonging. It is not yet perfect, but you can see the effort towards greater unity.

 

 

Are people in Southern Kaduna still unhappy with former Governor Nasir el-Rufai?

I do not know whether “unhappy” fully captures it. There is deep pain over the killings and experiences of the past.

 

 

Are you accusing a former governor of deliberately contributing to the killing of people?

I am saying that if you examine some of his public statements and videos, you can understand why many people were disturbed. He made statements about engaging bandits and other actions, and many people found those comments troubling.

 

 

Do people in Southern Kaduna regard el-Rufai as an enemy?

No. Because of our upbringing, we do not see anyone as an enemy. We simply believe some people may be misguided.

 

 

But there is still considerable pain in Southern Kaduna?

Certainly. When you consider the number of killings in the past and compare the situation with what exists today, there is a clear difference. People felt excluded and unable to do certain things in the past. Today, there is a greater sense of openness and inclusion.

 

 

Are you saying this because you are now a member of the APC?

No. I am saying it as a Nigerian. The public records and videos are available for anyone to examine.

 

 

Would you say el-Rufai remains politically popular in Kaduna?

Popularity depends on the constituency you are referring to. Different people have different experiences and opinions about his tenure. There are documented instances of actions taken during his administration that many residents found painful. For me, leaders should seek to unite Nigeria rather than deepen religious, ethnic or regional divisions. Anyone who deliberately exploits religion, ethnicity or other identities to divide Nigerians does not serve the national interest.

 

 

El-Rufai was a major APC figure and is widely credited with contributing to President Tinubu’s emergence. The Senate also rejected his ministerial nomination following security concerns. Was the security report against him genuine?

You will recall that this was not the first time he faced such issues. There were previous controversies involving his relationship with the Senate. The security report was based on professional assessments. The DSS is a professional institution, and it examined the matter and offered its advice. I believe such assessments should be treated seriously.

 

 

So you do not believe the rejection was politically motivated?

No, not at all. From my experience working with President Tinubu, first as Chief of Defence Staff and now in government, I have seen his commitment to Nigeria. He genuinely wants the country to progress. We should focus on leaders who unite Nigerians rather than exploit divisions. I believe Nigeria must move beyond the politics of division and concentrate on what will make the country work.

 

 

Are you confident that the APC cannot lose Kaduna State?

I would not say the APC cannot lose, but I am confident that the APC will win Kaduna.

 

 

At which levels?

At the presidential, governorship and other levels.

 

 

There is growing concern in parts of the North about the APC and President Tinubu. Why do you think this perception exists?

Some of it is driven by sentiment and political expectations. But the President has taken difficult decisions, and the benefits of some of those decisions will become clearer over time. People may eventually realise that reforms initially considered painful were necessary for the country’s progress. I remain confident that the APC will win.

 

 

The NFIU has raised concerns about terrorism financing through crowdfunding, proxy accounts, cryptocurrency and other channels. How serious is this threat?

It is a serious concern. Terrorist groups are becoming increasingly sophisticated. They use cryptocurrency, social media, ICT and other financial channels. That is why I have consistently spoken about identifying and cutting off the “oxygen” sustaining terrorism. We must work with international organisations and partners, including the UN and EU, to trace and block these funding sources.

 

 

So terrorist groups have developed sophisticated methods of moving funds?

They have various methods, which is why international cooperation is critical. We recently engaged with the United States State Department to examine these issues, and we are receiving support in several areas. We are working closely with international partners to strengthen our capacity to track and disrupt terrorism financing.

 

 

The NFIU report also suggested possible international collaboration in financing terrorism in Nigeria. What have investigations revealed?

ISIS did not originate in Nigeria. It came from outside and has influenced and supported activities within the country. That is why regional cooperation is important. The Multinational Joint Task Force plays a critical role. We are engaging neighbouring countries, including Chad, Benin Republic and Niger Republic, on operational cooperation and border security. Nigeria cannot address these threats alone. If our neighbours are unstable, the consequences will affect us. As Africans, we must work together because instability anywhere in the region ultimately affects all of us.

 

 

There have been suggestions about closing Nigeria’s borders. Is that what you are advocating?

I saw such a statement and was concerned about the interpretation. Nigeria’s borders have been open since 2024, and legitimate business activities continue. Customs and immigration authorities are improving border management and identity systems. Nigeria has also strengthened its passport system, making it easier for authorities internationally to verify Nigerian travel documents and identities. We are making progress, but the size and complexity of Nigeria’s borders remain a significant security challenge.