‘We’ve Defeated Terrorism’ — Defence Minister Declares, Says Kidnapping Now Major Threat
By Tams Jonah, ABUJA – The Federal Government has declared victory in Nigeria’s war against terrorism, with Defence Minister, General Christopher Musa (Rtd.), saying terrorists no longer have the freedom to launch the brazen, widespread attacks that once plagued the country.
Musa’s claim, however, comes against the backdrop of continuing killings, kidnappings and other violent crimes across parts of Nigeria, raising fresh questions about the government’s assessment of the country’s security situation.
The Defence Minister made the declaration on Thursday, September 3, 2026, during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today.
Musa was asked whether the government had actually defeated terrorists or merely displaced them to other parts of the country.
Responding, the minister said the significant reduction in the frequency and scale of terrorist attacks was evidence that the military had made substantial progress.
“Frankly speaking, we have [defeated terrorists] because now, like I said, the attacks are not as rampant, and it is now kidnapping,” he said.
He, however, acknowledged that kidnapping remained a serious security challenge, describing it as a “social ill” that had assumed disturbing dimensions.
Musa argued that kidnapping was no longer limited to conventional criminal groups, alleging that even family members were increasingly involved in the crime.
“Like I said, kidnapping is a social ill where you now see wives kidnapping husbands and husbands kidnapping children. It is a social illness,” the minister said.
The minister’s comments effectively draw a distinction between terrorism and the broader insecurity confronting the country, suggesting that while terrorist attacks have declined, criminal kidnapping remains a major threat.
His declaration is likely to generate debate, particularly as communities in some parts of the country continue to grapple with attacks, abductions and other forms of violence.
Musa nevertheless maintained that the security situation had improved considerably compared with previous years, insisting that terrorists no longer operate with the same level of freedom and brazenness.
The Defence Minister’s position places renewed attention on the Federal Government’s counter-terrorism efforts and the evolving nature of insecurity in Nigeria, as authorities face pressure to sustain military gains while tackling kidnapping and other forms of violent crime.
