Terrorists, Bandits Suffer Heavier Losses Than Troops, Says Defence Minister

Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has said that terrorists and bandits operating across the country are suffering heavier losses than government forces as the military intensifies operations across multiple security theatres.

The minister made the statement on Wednesday while addressing journalists in Abuja, noting that the Armed Forces of Nigeria have stepped up coordinated offensives against criminal groups responsible for violent attacks in several parts of the country.

According to Musa, although the military has recorded some casualties in recent engagements, the insurgents and bandits have lost far more fighters and key operational assets in the ongoing operations.

We acknowledge that there have been casualties on our side, but the terrorists and bandits have suffered heavier losses,” the defence minister said. “Our troops are determined and are intensifying operations across all theatres to ensure these criminal elements are neutralised.

Musa explained that the military has increased surveillance, intelligence gathering, and joint operations among security agencies to dismantle terrorist networks and bandit camps across the country.

Nigeria has been battling insurgency in the North-East and widespread banditry and kidnappings in the North-West and parts of the North-Central region. Insurgent groups such as Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province have continued to launch attacks on communities and security formations despite sustained military campaigns.

The defence minister assured Nigerians that the government remains committed to restoring peace and security, stressing that the armed forces will continue to sustain pressure on terrorists and criminal groups until the country is fully secured.

He also urged citizens to continue supporting the military and other security agencies by providing credible information that could help in the fight against terrorism and banditry.