- Sit-at-Home Orders Declining as Military Secures Region
- Troops’ Welfare, Local Arms Production Top Defence Agenda
Military Efforts, Arrest of Simon Ekpa Reduce Tension in South-East
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has stated that the arrest of Simon Ekpa in Finland and the military’s Operation Udoka have significantly eased tension in Nigeria’s South-East region.
Speaking on Tuesday before the House of Representatives Committee on Defence to defend the 2025 budget, Musa emphasized that these developments are pivotal to restoring peace and stability in the region.
“With the arrest of Simon Ekpa, tension has greatly reduced,” he said. “Through Operation Udoka, we are dismantling banditry networks and curbing the sit-at-home orders. Collaboration with political leaders and local communities is yielding results, and the region is gradually stabilizing.”
The Chief of Defence Staff also noted that proactive measures ensured a peaceful holiday period in the region. He highlighted the importance of intelligence gathering and community engagement, stating, “We’re working with religious, cultural, and community leaders to foster dialogue and reduce conflict. The best general is one who solves problems without firing a shot.”
Non-Kinetic Measures Yielding Results
General Musa underscored the importance of blending kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to address security challenges. He revealed that military operations across the country are increasingly relying on local intelligence and community support, which have proven effective in tackling issues like banditry and oil theft.
“We’ve enhanced synergy among our forces, particularly in operations like Delta Safe, which targets oil theft and militancy. For the first time, we’ve hit OPEC’s oil quota, nearing 2 million barrels per day, and aim to reach 2.2 million barrels with continued collaboration,” he said.
Focus on Troops’ Welfare and Local Arms Manufacturing
Highlighting the welfare challenges faced by troops, Musa called for increased funding to improve their living conditions and allowances. “We’re still struggling with feeding allowances below N2,000 per soldier per day. Additionally, the lack of adequate barracks and accommodation remains a pressing issue as we recruit nearly 20,000 personnel annually,” he said.
On weapons acquisition, Musa emphasized the need to prioritize local manufacturing. “The fight against insecurity has persisted partly due to reliance on foreign arms, which are increasingly difficult to procure due to global conflicts. We are now focusing on harnessing local talent and establishing a framework for domestic arms production,” he explained.
The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) bill, recently signed into law, is a step towards achieving this goal. “We’ve identified talented individuals who can produce weapons locally and are bringing them into the fold to legitimize and expand domestic production,” he added.
Call for National Unity and Vigilance
Musa urged Nigerians to take ownership of the country’s security challenges, emphasizing that safeguarding the nation is a collective responsibility. “Without peace, there can be no development. We must all work together to ensure a stable and prosperous Nigeria,” he said.
Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, Rep. Babajimi Benson, echoed this sentiment, urging defense agencies to prioritize initiatives that align with national security goals. “We must leverage intelligence, technology, and inter-agency collaboration to address evolving threats,” Benson said.
The 2025 budget discussions, he added, must ensure that every naira spent enhances the operational capacity of Nigeria’s armed forces while delivering tangible results for the safety and stability of the nation.
