The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has reassured Nigerians that there is no cause for alarm over recent insurgent attacks in the Northeast, emphasizing that the military and other security agencies maintain firm control of the situation despite the resurgence of terrorist activities in the region.

Speaking to journalists in Maiduguri on Thursday, Gen. Musa stated, "The pockets of attacks should not be a cause for concern as the military and security agencies are firmly in control. As you are all aware, I was in Borno State with the Ministers of Defence and other service chiefs three weeks ago to assess the security situation."

The Defence Chief explained that his return to Borno was necessary to reassess the renewed attacks and engage with stakeholders on strategic responses. "I thought it wise to return to reassess the renewed attacks and engage stakeholders on the way forward. Security is not a one-man business. I appeal to everyone to join the fight against Boko Haram and ISWAP, banditry, kidnapping, and all forms of criminality for the peace and development of our country," he said.

Gen. Musa attributed the recent increase in attacks to regional dynamics, noting, "What we are witnessing here is an eclipse caused by pressure on terrorists in the Sahel region, forcing them to increase attacks in Nigeria, especially around the porous borders of the Lake Chad Basin."

He assured Nigerians of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's commitment to bringing lasting peace and development to all parts of Nigeria. The CDS also revealed that the military has procured more sophisticated weapons which will soon be deployed alongside new strategies to combat terrorism effectively.

"During my recent trip to Russia, Nigeria maintained a non-aligned stance but engaged with key stakeholders ready to partner with us in this fight. We have procured more sophisticated weapons which will soon be deployed alongside new strategies to end the madness of terrorism," Musa added.

During his assessment visit to the state, the CDS also inspected Giwa Barracks in Maiduguri, where explosions had occurred at the armoury due to heat waves. He further held meetings with key stakeholders alongside senior military officials from the Theatre Command Sector 1 Operation Hadin Kai, at the 7 Division, Maimalari Cantonment.

The reassurance comes at a critical time as Nigeria continues to grapple with security challenges in various parts of the country, particularly in the Northeast region where Boko Haram and ISWAP have maintained a presence for over a decade.