Nigeria experienced the lowest number of attacks within its borders in 2024, according to the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa.
Speaking on Prime Time, an Arise Television program on Friday, Musa highlighted the nation’s progress in security despite the country being ranked sixth in the latest global terrorism index.
Musa noted that the Federal Government is prioritizing border security, recognizing its importance in national safety.
“And that is why the federal government is moving up, to make sure that we have a very wonderful border management system because we have to protect our borders,” he stated.
Emphasizing improvements in internal security, he asserted that there has been a notable reduction in attacks.
“I will not speak for West Africa; I will speak for Nigeria. In 2024, we had the least number of attacks within the country. Things are really improving. Yes, we still have isolated issues. But, I can tell you the troops are really putting in their best.
“If you move around the country, you would see that a lot of things have improved; farmers are going back to their farms, there is a lot of peace. Nigerians know that things are really improving; we need to join hands together to do more,” Musa added.
He also addressed the political situation in neighboring Niger Republic, Mali, and Burkina Faso, warning that Nigeria stands to lose significantly if these countries do not return to democratic rule.
“Like I said, we have issues of poverty in West Africa, a lot of governance issues, challenges with Niger Republic, Mali, and Burkina Faso. They are taking a lot of heat, and that is because the areas are large, there is a lot of poverty within those areas, climate change is one major issue on the ground, and lack of political will is causing these issues,” he explained.
According to him, instability in these countries poses security risks for Nigeria.
“And those are the things trying to pour into Nigeria. Whatever effort we are making, as long as these things are there, it is going to be a challenge.
“The truth about it is that, especially for these three countries, they must get their leadership right, and then they can do a lot. And, that is why for us in Nigeria, we have a lot to lose if they do not get it right — they must have a democratic system that will be able to assist them in taking decisions that will help the country,” he added.
He assured that efforts are being made to strengthen border security between Nigeria and these nations to curb potential threats.
Army Engages Farmers, Herders for 2025 Farming Season
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army has intensified its engagement with farmers and herders to ensure a peaceful and productive 2025 farming season.
In a statement posted on its X handle on Friday, the Army noted that these interactions are part of its wider peace-building efforts.
The statement, issued by the Media Information Officer of Operation SAFE HAVEN, Samson Zhakom, followed a stakeholders’ meeting in Mangu, Plateau State.
Speaking at the meeting, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander of Operation SAFE HAVEN, Major General Folusho Oyinlola, emphasized the importance of dialogue in fostering peace.
He highlighted the theme of the engagement—Consolidating on the Security Gains for a Peaceful Farming Season—as a crucial step toward community stability.
Reaffirming the military’s commitment to non-kinetic strategies, Oyinlola called for mutual coexistence among diverse groups in Mangu and Pankshin Local Government Areas.
He assured that security agencies would continue to collaborate with communities to address emerging threats effectively.
He further pledged security support for displaced persons, enabling them to return to farming and revitalize their livelihoods.
Stakeholders at the meeting, including traditional rulers and government officials, stressed the importance of tolerance and adherence to past agreements on farming practices.
They acknowledged the need to build trust among ethnic groups to eliminate deep-seated suspicions whenever crimes occur.
Representing Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, former Plateau State House of Assembly Speaker Rt. Hon. Titus Alams reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment.
He encouraged residents to support ongoing efforts to create a sustainable framework for cooperation between farmers and herders.
The meeting brought together security heads, traditional rulers, religious and community leaders, women representatives, and youth groups in a collective effort to promote peace and agricultural prosperity in the region.
