General Musa
Iyunade Grace
General Christopher Musa, Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, has urged Nigerians not to be discouraged by the recent Ngoshe attack in Borno State, where Boko Haram insurgents killed several people and abducted many others. Musa made this appeal after briefing President Bola Tinubu on the security situation, emphasizing that the military has inflicted significant losses on terrorist groups and is adjusting its operational strategies to combat the insurgency.
The President has approved additional military equipment to strengthen ongoing operations, and security forces are working to rescue abducted residents and restore calm to affected communities. Vice President Kashim Shettima has vowed to deploy overwhelming force to end the insurgency.
The Nigerian military has recaptured the Ngoshe community, killing several terrorists, including a senior commander. The operation was carried out by troops under the Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI, who also recovered weapons and equipment abandoned by the fleeing terrorists.
The Ngoshe attack reportedly began on the evening of March 3, with armed fighters storming the town, overrunning a military base, and setting it ablaze before attacking homes and shops. Local reports indicate that the assault resulted in heavy casualties, with soldiers, community leaders, and residents among those killed.
President Tinubu has condemned the attack, describing it as a “heartless” act targeting hapless citizens. He has directed the military and other security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue those abducted and prevent further attacks on military formations in the North-East .
The attack has raised concerns about security in resettled communities in the region, as Ngoshe had recently been resettled following government efforts. The Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum, has visited survivors and promised emergency food assistance to displaced persons .
The military has been working to address the insurgency, with recent operations resulting in the killing of several Boko Haram commanders and the recovery of weapons. The Nigerian Air Force has also conducted precision strikes, neutralizing scores of terrorists and disrupting their logistics network.
The situation remains fluid, with the military continuing to work towards restoring peace and security in the region.
