Seven notorious Boko Haram terrorists have surrendered to troops of the Multinational Joint Taskforce in Borno State.

A statement on Wednesday by the Chief Military Information Officer of the MNJTF, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba said the effort was facilitated by Multinational Joint Task Force, operating under Sector 3 Mongunu.

According to the statement, the terrorists who have been operating in the Damasak axis of the state laid down their arms to embrace peace.

The statement reads in part, “In a significant breakthrough in the fight against terrorism in the Lake Chad Region, troops of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), operating under Sector 3 Mongunu, have successfully facilitated the surrender of 7 suspected notorious Boko Haram terrorists with large cache of arms who have been active in the Damasak axis of Borno State, Nigeria.”

He said, “The suspected Boko Haram terrorists identified as Mallam Baba Ibrahim (19), Malam Bamai Ali (20), Mallam Jundu Ali (19), Mallam Abba Ali (25), Mallam Abubakar Mohammed (20), Tijjani Ali (20 yrs)  and Mallam Ali Mommudu (25) voluntarily turned themselves into MNJTF troops at Walada village in Damasak after sustained offensive operation by own troops.”

He stated that suspected terrorists confessed to having been involved in numerous terrorist activities across Northern Borno.

“They expressed their exhaustion with the conflict,though they previously feared they will be killed if they surrendered,” he added.

“The  substantial arms cache and equipment surrendered by the suspected terrorists included 2 RPG tubes, 4 RPG bombs, an AK-47 rifle, an HK 21 German machine gun, and 8 empty magazines. Additionally, they handed over 2 horses, 30 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 715 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, 51 NATO rounds, 12 mobile phones, 6 small solar panels, 2 bandoliers, and 4 knives, among other items. The former insurgents are now providing valuable intelligence to the MNJTF.”

Osoba urged other terrorists to follow suit and surrender their arms in exchange for peace.

“The MNJTF wishes to encourage other terrorists to take this opportunity to surrender as  laying down arms is a crucial step towards achieving lasting peace in the Lake Chad Region,” he said

He reiterated the MNJTF’s commitment to dismantling terrorist networks and restoring stability throughout the area.

The Nigerian Air Force has said a precision airstrike against Boko Haram enclaves in Chikide and Degbewa in Borno State has inflicted heavy losses on the terrorist group.

Acting on credible intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance reports, the NAF said it targeted key insurgent hideouts within the rugged Mandara Mountains, where notorious terrorist leader Ali Ngulde and his fighters were believed to be meeting.

A statement on Tuesday by the Deputy Director of Public Relations and Information, Group Captain Kabiru Ali, said surveillance confirmed the presence of a fortified command hub with solar-powered installations, prompting the service to execute a surprise night attack.

The statement read, “In a bold demonstration of air power and precision night warfare capabilities, the NAF executed a devastating nocturnal airstrike against terrorist hideouts in Chikide and Degbewa on 16 March 2025.

“The night operation targeted insurgent enclaves deep within the treacherous Mandara Mountains, delivering a crippling blow to the terrorists’ stronghold and disrupting their activities.
Acting on credible Intelligence, ISR data, reports indicated that the notorious terrorist leader, Ali Ngulde, and his fighters had planned a high-level engagement at the location.

“ISR missions over the area confirmed terrorist activity at a key assembly point in Degbewa, alongside the presence of heavily fortified structures equipped with solar-powered installations – clear evidence of an active command hub. Following this intelligence, the NAF immediately launched a precision night strike under the cover of darkness, achieving complete surprise.”

Ali said the operation destroyed key logistics and command structures, igniting large fires and neutralising scores of terrorists.

“The successful execution of this night operation underscores the NAF’s growing dominance in both day and night air power capabilities, proving that insurgents can no longer operate under the cover of darkness.

“Through relentless precision strikes and sustained air operations, the NAF remains committed to utilising its formidable air power to neutralise terrorist networks and restore lasting peace to the region,” Ali added.

Suspected Boko Haram terrorists on Saturday stole eight (8) fishing boats from fishermen at Kaimo Village, a community about four kilometers from Doron Baga town, Kukawa local government area of Borno State.

Speaking on the condition of anonymity, a local source said the terrorists who were armed with sophisticated weapons and traveling in an undisclosed number of boats, including fighting canoes, stormed the village and assembled the fishermen.

“They arrived with weapons, threatening to cause a disturbance if we didn’t give up our boats,” the source said.

He added that the terrorists then seized the eight boats and escaped through the river.

The source expressed the desperate need for government assistance, stating, “We need the government to come to our aid because the only businesses we have currently are fishing and farming, but now, we are in a panic as the bush is not safe.”

LEADERSHIP reports that prior to the Boko Haram insurgency, Doron Baga in in the northern part of the State used to be a major hub for various smoked fish dealers from across the country.

However, with the emergence of the terrorism and the subsequent invasion of the fishing areas in Baga, majority of the fishermen flew the area, while those who later returned and continued the business were periodically attacked by the terrorists.

The fishermen are sometimes killed or abducted, in addition to imposition of levies by the terrorists.

The United States has firmly denied any claims that its foreign assistance to Nigeria has been diverted to Boko Haram, reiterating its commitment to counter-terrorism efforts in the country.

Speaking to journalists after a meeting with the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard M. Mills, Jr., on Wednesday night in Abuja dismissed concerns that American aid may have been misused or fallen into the hands of the terrorist group.

Recall that a US Congressman, Scott Perry had accused the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) of funding global terrorist groups like the Islamic State of West Africa Province (I SWAP), and al-Qaeda, including their local affiliates such as Boko Haram in Nigeria.

He had said that the US aid agency funded terrorist organisations including Boko Haram.

Perry, a Republican representing Pennsylvania, made the claim during the inaugural hearing of the Subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency last week.

 

However the US ambassador to Nigeria dismissed the claims. “There is absolutely no evidence that I have seen that US assistance funding has been diverted to Boko Haram,” he stated.

 

The ambassador emphasised that strict policies and oversight mechanisms are in place to prevent any misappropriation of funds. “Whether it comes from USAID, the Department of Defense, or the State Department, our assistance programmes are closely monitored to ensure they are not exploited by terrorist groups,” he explained.

 

According to him, the US government has designated Boko Haram as a foreign terrorist organisation since 2013, a move that enables Washington to block the group’s financial transactions, arrest its members, and enhance intelligence-sharing with Nigeria.

 

Ambassador Mills reassured that the United States remains a steadfast partner in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism.

 

“If we ever had evidence that funding was being diverted to Boko Haram, we would immediately investigate alongside our Nigerian partners,” he added, reinforcing Washington’s commitment to ensuring that US aid reaches its intended recipients.

 

“We stand with Nigeria in the fight against Boko Haram and remain committed to helping the country rid itself of this scourge,” Ambassador Mills affirmed.

 

Addressing concerns about US assistance to Nigeria, the ambassador clarified that while the new US administration has implemented a 90-day pause on foreign assistance, no cuts have been made.

 

“This is not about ending foreign aid to partners like Nigeria, but about making it more effective and aligned with US government policies,” he said.

 

He reassured Nigerians that life-saving assistance—such as support for HIV patients, child nutrition, and aid for internally displaced persons—will continue under special waivers, stressing that the final decision on the future of US assistance will be made after the 90-day review period.

 

The ambassador also outlined four key priorities for US-Nigeria relations. These priorities, he said, will guide US engagement with Nigeria in the coming years.

 

Ambassador Mills emphasised the need to improve the business environment to encourage greater trade and investment between both nations.

 

“We want to see more trade between the United States and Nigeria, with more investment on both sides,” he said.

 

The second priority, he noted, is a renewed focus on transparency and accountability in governance, with the US supporting Nigerian voices advocating for reforms.

 

“We want to fight corruption and empower those calling for more transparency,” he added.

The US government is also keen on strengthening engagement at the subnational level by working more closely with state and local governments.

 

Ambassador Mills pointed out that Nigeria’s evolving governance structure, including a Supreme Court ruling that could grant local governments greater fiscal authority, presents an opportunity to provide capacity-building support.

 

“We believe that the most effective government is the one closest to the people,” he explained.

 

The final area of focus is the sustainability of US-supported healthcare programmes in Nigeria.

 

Ambassador Mills highlighted the success of initiatives such as HIV/AIDS treatment and polio eradication, but stressed the importance of transitioning these programmes to full Nigerian government control.

 

“We want to ensure these programmes remain sustainable and effective as they are handed over at both the federal and state levels,” he said.

The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, has said there is no evidence that the United States Agency for International Development is funding Boko Haram or any terrorist group.

Mills stated after meeting with the Nigeria Governors Forum in Abuja late Wednesday night that no nation condemns Boko Haram’s violence more strongly than the US.

He assured all that if any evidence is found, the US government will work with the Nigerian government to investigate it.

Recall that on February 13, Congressman Scott Perry accused USAID of funding terrorist groups, including Boko Haram.

Boko Haram is a terrorist group founded in 2002 by Mohammed Yusuf. The group’s objectives included promoting Sunni Islam and eliminating Shia Islam in Nigeria.

Over the years, thousands of Nigerians have lost their lives, billions of Naira worth of property has been destroyed, and many families have been displaced.

Perry, a Republican from Pennsylvania, made this statement during the first hearing of the Subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency.

The session, titled “The War on Waste: Stamping Out the Scourge of Improper Payments and Fraud,” focused on alleged misappropriations of taxpayer funds.

“Who gets some of that money? Does that name ring a bell to anybody in the room? Because your money, your money, $697 million annually, plus the shipments of cash funds in Madrasas, ISIS, Al-Qaeda, Boko Haram, ISIS Khorasan, terrorist training camps. That’s what it’s funding,” he said.

As a result, the Senate has called on the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, along with the heads of the National Intelligence Agency and the Defence Intelligence Agency, to address allegations of terrorist funding involving USAID.

In response to a question, the US Ambassador stated that the US has strict policies to prevent USAID or any other US assistance from being diverted to terrorist groups like Boko Haram.

He stated, “Let me be clear—there is no friend of Nigeria stronger in condemning Boko Haram’s violence and disregard for human life than the United States. We have designated Boko Haram as a foreign terrorist organisation since 2013, blocking the group from transferring assets to the US and allowing us to arrest and seize its members.

“We cooperate in investigations with the Nigerian government. I can assure you that we have strict policies and procedures to ensure that USAID funding or any other US assistance, whether from USAID, the Department of Defence, or the State Department, is not diverted to terrorist groups like Boko Haram.

“There is absolutely no evidence of such diversion, and if we ever had evidence that any programme funding was being misused by Boko Haram, we would immediately investigate it with our Nigerian partners.

“So, when it comes to Boko Haram, the United States stands with Nigeria in wanting to rid this country of the scourge that this organisation represents.”

He clarified that President Donald Trump’s administration did not cut assistance but implemented a 90-day pause to develop ways to make it more effective.

Mills explained, “No assistance has been cut yet, and no decisions have been made about the future of our assistance. In fact, US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, has said that this is not about ending foreign assistance to our partners like Nigeria. It’s about making our assistance more effective and aligning it with US government policies and interests.

“That’s what this 90-day pause is for. However, there are waivers for life-saving assistance, such as support for HIV patients, maternal and child nutrition, and internally displaced people. So that continues. In 90 days, we will know where we stand.”

Regarding other issues discussed with the 36 state governors, the US Ambassador mentioned that he outlined the embassy’s vision for the future of the US-Nigerian relationship.

He stated, “I explained to them that we are going to focus on four key priorities in the coming years. The first is improving the business environment to increase trade and investment between the United States and Nigeria.

“Second, a renewed focus on improving transparency and accountability in Nigeria, fighting corruption, and empowering Nigerian voices advocating for more transparency.

“Third, we want to be more engaged at the subnational level, at the state level, and with local governing authorities. I believe the embassy needs to engage more in this area as we develop our programs and assistance.

“Lastly, we discussed our health care programmes, which are a large part of US assistance to Nigeria. As these programmes succeed—such as reducing HIV cases and eradicating polio—we want to ensure their sustainability and transition them to the Nigerian government at the federal and state levels.”

Mills stated that the aim is to ensure the sustainability of these health programmes and transfer them to the Nigerian government for effective management, helping to create a stronger healthcare future.

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have busted a syndicate allegedly involved in selling motorcycles to Boko Haram terrorists in Niger and Kaduna states.

The Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 7, Benneth Igweh, disclosed this during a press briefing at the Zone’s headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.

Igweh stated that acting on credible intelligence, detectives apprehended three suspects in Suleja Local Government Area, Niger State.

He identified the suspects as Shamsuddeen Yunusa, 30; Zaharadeen Saidu, 25; and Mustapha Haruna, 22, adding that a total of 22 motorcycles, multiple master keys, and stolen phones were recovered from the suspects.

According to AIG Igweh, the syndicate specialises in the trade and modification of stolen motorcycles, which are sold or rented to criminals, including suspected Boko Haram operatives active in parts of Niger State and Birnin Gwari Local Government Area in Kaduna State.

He said, “In a proactive move to destabilise criminal activities, crime financing, and enabling in the FCT, Niger State, and its environs, detectives of the Zone 7 Headquarters were deployed to Suleja LGA, Niger State, where they successfully apprehended three suspects, namely: Shamsuddeen Yunusa, male, 30 years, from Hong LGA, Adamawa State; Zaharadeen Saidu, male, 25 years, from Soba LGA, Kaduna State; and Mustapha Haruna, male, 22 years, from Gwami, Adamawa State. Twenty-two motorcycles, different types of master keys, and stolen phones were recovered from them.

“The syndicate specialised in buying and selling stolen motorcycles in Suleja, Niger State. They further sell or hire those motorcycles to criminals believed to be Boko Haram elements terrorising parts of Niger State and Birnin Gwari LGA, Kaduna State.

“The leader of the gang, Shamsuddeen, revealed that he sells the motorcycles at the rate of N200,000 to N250,000. He further added that he recently received N250,000 from one Ibrahim Kabiru, who resides in Birnin Gwari LGA, Kaduna State, as part-payment for the supply of Bajaj motorcycles.

“Zaharadeen, on the other hand, is the courier of the motorcycles to the intending buyers. He voluntarily confessed to delivering motorcycles he collects from Shamsuddeen to one Mustapha in Suleja Town.

“Mustapha Haruna is the motorcycle mechanic of the syndicate. He fixes the stolen motorcycles before their delivery to customers.”

In a separate operation, Igweh also revealed that Zone 7 operatives arrested Sunday Danlami, a member of a notorious armed robbery and kidnapping gang operating in Benue State.

Igweh noted that Danlami confessed to being among those who kidnapped 21 doctors in Benue State in 2024. He added that two other suspects are currently at large.

Igweh said, “This gang specialises in armed robbery and kidnapping in Benue State and its environs.

“According to Sunday Danlami, he admitted to being among the gang responsible for the kidnapping of 21 doctors in Benue State last August. He further revealed that he has carried out several robbery operations on Adiga Road, where he has snatched different motorcycles from travelers. He sells these motorcycles and shares the proceeds with his gang members.

“He, however, revealed that he uses a lot of charms for protection whenever he is going out on any operation.”

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have dismantled a syndicate allegedly involved in selling motorcycles to Boko Haram terrorists in Niger and Kaduna states.

The Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 7, Benneth Igweh, disclosed this during a press briefing at the Zone’s headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.

Igweh stated that, acting on credible intelligence, detectives apprehended three suspects in Suleja Local Government Area, Niger State.

He identified the suspects as Shamsuddeen Yunusa, 30; Zaharadeen Saidu, 25; and Mustapha Haruna, 22, adding that a total of 22 motorcycles, multiple master keys, and stolen phones were recovered from the suspects.

According to him, the syndicate specialises in the trade and modification of stolen motorcycles, which are sold or rented to criminals, including suspected Boko Haram operatives active in parts of Niger State and Birnin Gwari Local Government Area in Kaduna State.

He said, “In a proactive move to destabilize criminal activities, crime financing, and enabling in the FCT, Niger State, and its environs, detectives of the Zone 7 Headquarters were deployed to Suleja LGA, Niger State, where they successfully apprehended three suspects, namely: Shamsuddeen Yunusa, male, 30 years, from Hong LGA, Adamawa State; Zaharadeen Saidu, male, 25 years, from Soba LGA, Kaduna State; and Mustapha Haruna, male, 22 years, from Gwami, Adamawa State. Twenty-two motorcycles, different types of master keys, and stolen phones were recovered from them.

“The syndicate specializes in buying and selling stolen motorcycles in Suleja, Niger State. They further sell or hire these motorcycles to criminals believed to be Boko Haram elements terrorizing parts of Niger State and Birnin Gwari LGA, Kaduna State.

“The leader of the gang, Shamsuddeen, revealed that he sells the motorcycles at the rate of ₦200,000 to ₦250,000. He further added that he recently received ₦250,000 from one Ibrahim Kabiru, who resides in Birnin Gwari LGA, Kaduna State, as part payment for the supply of Bajaj motorcycles.

“Zaharadeen, on the other hand, is the courier of the motorcycles to the intending buyers. He voluntarily confessed to delivering motorcycles he collects from Shamsuddeen to one Mustapha in Suleja Town. Mustapha Haruna is the motorcycle mechanic of the syndicate. He fixes the stolen motorcycles before their delivery to customers.”

In a separate operation, Igweh also revealed that Zone 7 operatives arrested Sunday Danlami, a member of a notorious armed robbery and kidnapping gang operating in Benue State.

Igweh noted that Danlami confessed to being among those who kidnapped 21 doctors in Benue State in 2024.

He added that two other suspects are currently at large.

Igweh said, “This gang specializes in armed robbery and kidnapping in Benue State and its environs.

“According to Sunday Danlami, he admitted to being among the gang responsible for the kidnapping of 21 doctors in Benue State last August. He further revealed that he has carried out several robbery operations on Adiga Road, where he has snatched different motorcycles from travellers. He sells these motorcycles and shares the proceeds with his gang members.

“He, however, revealed that he uses a lot of charms for protection whenever he is going out on any operation.”

Two days after the killing of 20 fishermen at Gadan Gari fishing community in Bama local government area of Borno State on Wednesday, Boko Haram/SWAP terrorists have reportedly killed an Army Commander, two other senior military officers and 17 soldiers at a military base in Malam-Fatori, the headquarters of Abadam local government area of the State.

Bama is in Borno central while Malam-Fatori is in Abadam local government area in the northern part of the State, between Borno State and Republic of Niger border.

In the latest attack, credible sources said for several hours on Friday, January 24, 2025, the terrorists attacked the 149 Battalion in Malam-Fatori and dislodged the base as soldiers who survived the deadly attack fled the area to a safer place.

The intelligence sources, who confirmed the attack, added that the insurgents attacked the base with multiple gun trucks, saying that the terrorists razed down many buildings and military operational vehicles during the attack.

“Apart from the dead bodies recovered, many other soldiers were seriously injured while a yet-to-be ascertained number of personnel were still missing as of Saturday.

“The commanding officer of the battalion, two senior officers, including the base medical director, were among those killed.

“This comes a few days after the terror group launched a brutal attack on the military’s Forward Operating Base in the Damboa local government area of Borno State, killing a yet-to-be confirmed number of soldiers, with many believed to still be missing.

“25 Taskforce Brigade was attacked during the weekend with so many casualties. So far, we have recovered over seven bodies. The terror group invaded the camp FOB Sabon Gari around 4am on Saturday, using various weapons,” the sources said.

Barely 24 hours after attacking Bazir Village in Chibok local government area of Borno State, Boko Haram terrorists launched another attack on Shikarkir Ward of Chibok where they razed down the Church of Brethren a.k.a E.Y.N as well as residential houses.

The terrorists had earlier attacked Bazir, killing two siblings and razing a church and residential building.
Credible sources said the terrorists also sacked the villagers after looting their livestock and foodstuffs at about 2 pm on Monday.

A family member of one of the victims, Mallam Daniel Shikarkir, said his parents aged between 82 and 79 years escaped the attack unhurt, but that their house was completely razed down.

One Mr Paul Mauntah Yaga from Chibok writing on his social media page said, “I am writing to bring to the attention of all and sundry the deteriorating security situation in Chibok local government area (LGA) of Borno State. The recent attacks by Boko Haram have left our community in a state of fear and uncertainty.

“On January 2, 2025, Boko Haram attacked Njiland, and unfortunately, the attacks have continued unabated. On January 12, 2025, they attacked Bamzir, killing two youths and injuring a woman, as well as burning down houses, shops, and the EYN church.

“Yesterday, around 2pm, they attacked Njiland again, and this morning, they launched another attack on Shikarkir Ward.

“Despite the presence of over 1,000 army personnel and 500 local vigilantes in Chibok town, these attacks have been able to occur with alarming frequency. More needs to be done to ensure the safety and security of our community.

“We are calling on our leaders, especially President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, including the Executive Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum, the Senator representing Southern Borno, Mohammed Ndume, and the House of Representatives member for Chibok, Damboa, and Gwoza federal constituency, Hon. Usman Jaha Babawo and security agencies to take immediate action to address this situation.

“We urge them to deploy the army and local vigilantes to surround the villages in Chibok town, to provide adequate protection to our people.

“The people of Chibok are no longer safe in their communities, and it is the responsibility of our leaders to ensure that we are protected. We have a right to live in peace and security, and we urge our leaders to take all necessary steps to guarantee this right,” he said.

At least 40 farmers have been reportedly killed in the Dumba community in the Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, with the whereabouts of several others yet to be ascertained following an attack by the terrorists believed to be members of Boko Haram and the Islamic State of West African Province.

It was gathered that the attack which happened around 4:30 pm on Sunday also left dozens of farmers missing who may have been abducted by the militants.

Borno State Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Prof Usman Tar, confirmed the attack in a statement on Monday.

“Investigation has commenced on the circumstances behind this attack. Initial reports indicate about 40 farmers have been killed, while the whereabouts of many who escaped the attack are being traced for reunion with their families,” Tar disclosed.

This is coming barely 24 hours after two people were killed and a church was set ablaze in a similar attack on the Chibok community, in the southern part of the state.

He said Governor Babagana Zulum condemned the attack in “strong terms,” even as the governor called on the military to track and clear the insurgent elements operating in Dumba and other similar enclaves around the Lake Chad area.

Sources said the victims were attacked by the terrorists after moving beyond the security track marked by the military around the communities to prevent residents from straying into Boko Haram or ISWAP enclaves.

The Kukawa area has suffered three devastating attacks by Boko Haram since 2014 when terrorist attacks escalated in Borno State.

In December 2019, Boko Haram sacked Baga, the headquarters of Kukawa Local Government and one of Borno’s commercial hubs, following a bloody attack that lasted two days.

Nearly a dozen military troops were captured and later executed in a gruesome manner. Thousands of residents fled their homes, marking the third massive displacement in the town since 2014.

In the statement, Zulum condemned the deadly attack on farmers and fishermen at Dumba.

He expressed sorrow over the incident while asking the military to track down the killers.

Tar said that initial reports indicated that the attackers killed about 40 people, and several others fled into nearby areas while efforts were underway to trace the survivors and reunite them with their families.

He said the governor called on the armed forces to pursue and neutralize the perpetrators operating in Dumba and other enclaves in the Lake Chad area.

He assured the public that the state government was committed to ensuring justice and enhancing security.

“With deep sorrow and anguish, I received the sad news of the attack on Dumba where scores of our farmers and fishermen were killed by terrorists.

“On behalf of the government, I sympathize with the victims’ families. Let me assure the citizens of Borno that this matter will be thoroughly investigated for necessary action,” he said.

According to him, the governor noted that the victims had ventured outside the security perimeters established by the government and military into areas not yet cleared of insurgents or landmines.

He urged residents to adhere to the “safe corridors” demarcated by security agencies to avoid such risks.

“The government has clearly demarcated land for safe farming and economic activities allowing the military to focus on clearing unsafe areas. Citizens should not enter areas prone to terrorist attacks or contaminated by landmines,” he added.

The governor also commended the armed forces for their ongoing efforts to secure vast stretches of land for farming and resettlement as part of the government’s long-term strategy to manage displacement and enhance livelihoods.

“The safe corridors provide vast tracts of land for settlement, fishing, and farming under the watchful eyes of our gallant security forces.

“Straying into unsafe areas not only endangers lives but also complicates military operations against the terrorists,” the statement noted.

Meanwhile, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, has explained that the military follows strict protocols before executing any airstrike across the various theatres of operations.

He stated that the military conducts its airstrikes with precision, adding that civilians are not deliberately targeted.

Musa, who was reacting to the recent accidental killing of 16 civilians in Zamfara on Saturday, spoke during an interview on Arise News on Monday.

He said, “The issue of the airstrikes is still the same. Before we conduct any airstrike, we follow up on movements. And I can tell you, when we do airstrikes, we do it with precision.”

Musa stated that secondary explosions in areas where insurgents store weapons and explosives could have affected the citizens.

He said, “Now, we cannot rule out a secondary explosion. Why? Because again, within areas they have weapons, they have bombs, ammunition, and explosives that they keep there.  So, sometimes if it goes up, you cannot rule out the aspect that civilians might be affected.

“But we do not deliberately target the civilian population, we avoid it as much as possible. We have videos that we follow up before any strike is conducted.”

The CDS noted that the accidental killing allegations might be antics to demoralise troops, adding that most of the allegations come when the military is making headways.

He said, “Maybe a question we should ask is; Why is it that while we are succeeding, that’s when you keep on hearing this accidental airstrike here and there? For us, I think this is just a way of demoralising the troops, demoralising our air force, and making it look as if we don’t know what we’re doing.”

Musa called for patience and cooperation in verifying such incidents, urging communities to wait for the outcome of military investigations into the incident.

“Most times, when they say there is any airstrike, before you go there, they tell you they buried the people. Why not wait, and then let’s also come and verify these issues?” he questioned.

 Also, speaking on the tactics employed by terrorists in their bid to perpetuate violence, the CDS disclosed that the terrorists systematically impregnated women to create a new generation of fighters.

According to Musa, terrorists previously relied on capturing communities and forcibly recruiting men, but the loss of their territories had forced them to adopt a different approach.

The CDS added that this was evident in the number of those who surrendered to troops, noting that out of 120,000 fighters, half were children.

Musa said, “Over 120,000 terrorists surrendered. Out of this number, over 60,000 are children. Now, what were the terrorists doing in the past? They used to capture communities and then force men, especially adults, in to join them, whether they like it or not. If you refuse, they behead you, so you had no choice.

‘’But now that it became difficult, that they don’t have any territory, they don’t have a means of doing that, they now decided to start impregnating the women repeatedly. If a woman gives birth, four months after, they impregnate her again. They were trying to produce a new set of terrorists.”

The CDS expressed concern that such children would be more brutal and perpetrate heinous crimes than their parents if not tamed.

He said, “Those kids, growing up in a society where killing, beheading, and all sorts of heinous acts are rampant, will lack empathy and sympathy. They see these acts as normal.”

Speaking further, Musa said the Federal Government was collaborating with international organisations such as the United Nations and the European Union to disrupt terrorism financing in Nigeria.

Musa also revealed that multiple government agencies, including the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, the Central Bank of Nigeria, the National Intelligence Agency, and the Department of State Services, were actively working to trace the sources and movement of funds that sustain terrorist groups.

“We have raised these observations, and the relevant agencies have moved into action. What we are also doing is reaching out to the international community to trace the funds and their movement. If we’re able to do that, we’ll cut off the oxygen that keeps them going, which is very, very vital,” he said.

The defence chief noted the complexity of the funding networks, which include both international and local sources.

“It’s a very dangerous and high-value network that has made it difficult for them to be traced. Locally, we believe they are funded through taxes, levies, kidnapping, and other illegal activities.

‘’We have reached out to the UN, the EU, and other international organisations to assist in tracking the funds. For me, if we’re able to do that, we’ll mitigate this issue significantly and stop them. This is what keeps them going,” he said.

The army chief also said the military is preparing to take legal action against Reuters following its report alleging the forced termination of 10,000 pregnancies during counter-insurgency operations in the North-East.

The Reuters report, published in late 2022, accused the Nigerian military of running a secret and systematic abortion programme for women impregnated by insurgents.

The National Human Rights Commission in 2024 exonerated the military after it investigated the allegations.

Musa expressed disappointment that Reuters failed to retract or apologise for the report, which he said had maligned the country and its armed forces.

“After one and a half years of investigation, it was found that it was a complete lie. I was expecting Reuters to come in and apologize for it, but they did nothing. They did not even respond. After maligning the whole country, they have shown no accountability. I think it’s very important that Nigeria takes up this issue,” he stated.

Musa revealed that discussions have been held with the Attorney-General of the Federation to initiate legal proceedings.

“I’ve discussed this with the Attorney -General and I think it’s important that Nigeria addresses this. We will not allow anyone to demoralise our troops or malign the country,” he said.

He also criticised the timing of such allegations, suggesting they were part of efforts to undermine the military’s successes in the fight against terrorism.

“What we realise is that any time we’re making progress, international organizations take it upon themselves to demoralize the country and our troops. We have refused to be demoralized and we will not be demoralised,” he vowed.

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives Committee on Army has assured the Nigerian Army of adequate financial allocation in the 2025 budget proposal to tackle the challenges of insecurity in the country.

The Chairman of the Committee, Aminu Balele (APC, Katsina state) made the pledge during the 2025 budget defence organised by the committee on Monday.

Addressing journalists after a closed-door session with the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Olufemi Oluyede, Balele said the committee was satisfied with the Army’s 2024 budget performance.

 He said, “We are committed to providing unwavering support, fostering cooperation, and maintaining solidarity with our military counterparts.

 “Be assured of this committee’s determination to champion the welfare of our troops, ensure adequate power provisions, and promote capacity building at all levels remains steadfast.

 “Today, we have achieved a lot in the sense that we have analysed and scrutinised the 2024 budget and more importantly before we move into 2025, we ask so many fundamental questions, particularly what is happening in the country and the way forward.

 “We have to support them (Army) to see that within a short period, they will address the question of this insecurity all over the country. “

 Speaking on the Army’s 2024 budget performance, the lawmaker said, “In terms of implementation, it was excellent. They have achieved over 99 per cent in terms of implementation. We sent our colleagues who went around the country during their oversight function.

 “Nigerians need quick results and so, there is that pressure. We have done our best in the National Assembly particularly the House of Representatives. We are addressing security issues even though there is inflation in terms of exchange rates and others.”

 He also promised on behalf of the committee to look into the allowances earned by soldiers fighting insecurity in the country.