Armed Forces Won’t Give In to Terror in Whatever Form — Defence Minister

Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has declared that the Armed Forces will not surrender to terrorism in any form, assuring Nigerians that the country will ultimately prevail in the fight against insurgency and other security threats.

He made the declaration during the Ceremonial Sunset Dinner and Awards Night held at Eko Hotel, Lagos, as part of activities marking the 70th anniversary of the Nigerian Navy.

The event, which attracted former Chiefs of Naval Staff and representatives of friendly maritime nations, served as the grand finale of the Navy’s anniversary celebrations.

Speaking at the ceremony, Musa acknowledged the challenges confronting the nation’s security architecture but expressed confidence that the combined efforts of the Armed Forces, government, and citizens would overcome terrorism and criminality.

“The enemies are not relenting; we will not relent. We shall overcome and we will win the war,” he said.

He stressed that Nigeria’s security agencies remain committed to protecting the country and defeating groups responsible for insurgency, banditry, and other forms of violence.

The Defence Minister also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting the Armed Forces through the provision of equipment and operational resources needed to tackle security challenges.

Musa commended the Nigerian Navy for its contributions to national security, maritime safety, and economic development over the past seven decades. According to him, the Navy has played a vital role in securing the nation’s waterways, protecting offshore oil and gas infrastructure, combating piracy, and supporting the growth of Nigeria’s blue economy.

He noted that throughout his military career, including his time as Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, he witnessed firsthand the Navy’s contributions to security operations, particularly in the Niger Delta and the Gulf of Guinea.

Looking ahead, the minister urged the Navy to embrace advanced technology, surveillance systems, cyber capabilities, and stronger international collaboration to enhance its effectiveness in addressing emerging maritime threats.

He assured that the Federal Government would continue to provide the necessary support and enabling environment to strengthen the Navy’s operational capacity.

Earlier, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Idi Abbas, disclosed that Nigeria has maintained zero piracy incidents in the Gulf of Guinea since 2022, describing the achievement as a major milestone in the country’s maritime security efforts.