Nigeria’s War on Terror: CDS Musa Declares No Escape for Bandits

Nigeria’s War on Terror: CDS Musa Declares No Escape for Bandits

By Ayshatu S. Rabo

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has declared that the grip is tightening on terrorists and bandits wreaking havoc across Nigeria, as military operations continue to decimate their ranks.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 2025 CDS Joint Task Force Commanders Conference in Abuja on Friday, Gen. Musa emphasized the military’s unyielding resolve to eliminate criminal elements. The conference, themed “Enhancing Jointness Across all Theatres of Operation,” served as a platform to assess and strengthen collaborative efforts among security forces.
In a decisive blow to insurgency, Musa disclosed that a notorious bandit kingpin, Kachana Nafaresh, and several of his fighters were neutralized during a crushing raid in Zamfara Forest on Thursday night. Additionally, security operatives stormed the hideout of another infamous bandit leader, Sani Black, setting his base ablaze and forcing him into retreat.

“In a follow-up operation, troops advanced into Tufan and Mashima villages, further dislodging armed groups and pushing them deeper into the forest,” he revealed.

The operation also targeted remnants of the once-dominant Bello Turji’s camp, dealing a symbolic and strategic blow to his influence. “Reports indicate that both Turji and Sani Black are now desperately seeking escape routes as the pressure mounts,” Musa added.
The Defence Chief stressed that these offensives underscore the government’s unwavering commitment to eradicating terrorism and banditry in Zamfara and the broader Northwest region.

“For years, criminals have exploited the difficult terrain to establish fortified hideouts and launch deadly raids on communities. However, the tide is turning. With relentless precision strikes from air and ground forces, the era of impunity is over,” he stated.

Musa commended the synergy among the land, maritime, and air forces, noting that special forces are working assiduously to ensure national security.

Reflecting on the conference, Musa highlighted key insights, including the need for continued collaboration, resource optimization, and political will in addressing security challenges.

“As an armed force, we must foster a culture of cooperation, breaking down barriers and leveraging our strengths to maximize impact,” he said. He charged commanders to remain committed and innovative, adapting swiftly to the evolving security landscape.

According to him, President Bola Tinubu has given the military a clear mandate to secure Nigeria, urging them to refine their strategies and capabilities to counter emerging threats effectively.

Former Chiefs of Defence Staff and Service Chiefs also lent their voices to the call for unity in tackling insecurity. Air Marshal O. Petinrin (rtd) stressed the importance of collaboration among security agencies and citizens.

“We must work together as a society to ensure progress and development rather than being in constant turmoil. Supporting the military and government efforts will yield success,” he stated.

The conference’s closing ceremony was marked by the decoration of distinguished personnel, including former and current Joint Task Force Commanders, Theatre Commanders, and senior officers. Award categories included the Distinguished Star Medal, Defence Humanitarian Star Award, Defence Veteran Award, and Command Operation Medal.
Dignitaries in attendance included former Chiefs of Defence Staff, Air Marshal O. Petinrin (rtd), Admiral O.S. Ibrahim (rtd), and Lt. Gen. O.A. Ihejirika (rtd). Also present were Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, Theatre Commander of Joint Task Force Operation Hadin Kai Maj. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, Maj. Gen. Abdul Khalifah Ibrahim, Acting Corps Commander of the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps, and Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Undiandeye, Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI), among other gallant officers.

The event reaffirmed the military’s determination to restore peace and security across the nation, with a clear message: the walls are closing in on those terrorizing Nigeria.

Nigeria’s War on Terror: CDS Musa Declares No Escape for Bandits