Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has defended the military’s operations against insurgents and criminal gangs, amid increasing scrutiny over civilian casualties in the country’s volatile north and central regions.
Speaking at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja, General Musa acknowledged the challenges posed by militias and armed criminal networks, emphasizing that the military is taking measures to minimise harm to civilians while carrying out counter-insurgency operations.
“Our armed forces are committed to protecting lives and property. Any loss of civilian life is deeply regrettable, and we do everything in our power to prevent it,” General Musa told reporters on Wednesday. “Operations in the northwest and central regions are complex, given the tactics used by these criminal gangs, who often operate within communities. We remain vigilant and continue to refine our approach to reduce any collateral damage.”
In recent months, Nigeria’s military has increasingly relied on airstrikes and coordinated ground operations to confront militias and armed groups in regions that have witnessed rising insecurity, particularly in the northwest. While these efforts have been credited with disrupting criminal networks, they have also sparked criticism after reports of civilians being inadvertently targeted during missions.
“We fully acknowledge that mistakes have occurred,” General Musa added. “Wherever civilians are affected, investigations are launched immediately to determine accountability and implement lessons learned. The safety of our citizens remains a priority.”
The military’s heightened operations come against the backdrop of persistent security challenges in Nigeria, including kidnappings, armed robberies, and oil theft in the Niger Delta. The Nigerian Navy recently reported the seizure of 76 vessels linked to illegal oil bunkering over the past two years, highlighting the broader scope of military engagement in curbing criminal activity across the country’s waterways.
Security analysts have cautioned that while aggressive operations are necessary to counter armed groups, careful planning is essential to avoid alienating local populations. “Civilian casualties can undermine the legitimacy of military operations and fuel resentment among communities that the government is trying to protect,” said Dr. Chukwudi Okafor, a security studies expert at the University of Lagos. “Balancing decisive action with civilian protection is critical to long-term stability.”
General Musa stressed that the military continues to coordinate closely with local authorities and intelligence agencies to improve the precision of its operations. “Our approach is guided by the principle that every life matters,” he said. “We are committed to accountability and transparency in all our missions.”
The Nigerian government faces mounting pressure to address security challenges while ensuring that military operations do not disproportionately impact innocent civilians. As General Musa reiterated, investigations into incidents involving civilian harm are ongoing, with the aim of preventing future occurrences.
“Our forces operate under the guidance of the law and international norms. Mistakes are taken seriously, and corrective measures are implemented swiftly,” he concluded.
While the debate over military tactics continues, General Musa’s statements underscore the tension between the need for robust security operations and the imperative to protect civilian lives in one of Africa’s most populous and security-challenged nations.
