Nigerian Military’s Innovative Tactics in the Fight Against Insecurity

The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, has recently emphasized the importance of the Nigerian military being proactive in winning the hearts and minds of citizens in the fight against terrorism and other security challenges.

In a seminar organized by the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN), Gen. Musa highlighted the Nigerian military’s non-kinetic activities, which aim to enhance the effectiveness of security management in the country.

The Nigerian military has recognized the need to engage in non-kinetic activities to combat non-state actors who are also vying for the support of the citizenry.

By focusing on non-military and soft strategies, the armed forces have been able to maintain their role as the key driver in addressing the multifaceted threats that Nigeria faces.

Some of the non-kinetic activities implemented by the Nigerian military include “Operation Safe Corridor,” which focuses on deradicalization, rehabilitation, and reintegration of repentant members of terrorist groups.

Additionally, civil-military cooperation and engagement with key community leaders and stakeholders have been prioritized to address the issues of insecurity and support veterans.

Gen. Musa stressed the importance of the non-kinetic approach, stating that it is crucial in targeting the will of the people to defeat the various security challenges faced by Nigeria.

The traditional notion of war, which heavily relies on kinetic means, is gradually being replaced with a more comprehensive approach that combines both soft and non-military strategies.

The seminar was timely as it emphasized the significance of non-kinetic approaches in winning the battle against terrorism and other security threats.

Nigeria, as a diverse and complex nation, must address various security threats, including separatism, insurgencies, terrorism, intercommunal conflicts, and transnational organized crimes.

Gen. Musa acknowledged that the shift from seeking victory through kinetic means is necessary, and that the non-kinetic means are becoming increasingly relevant in the power potential of Nigeria.

The armed forces of Nigeria must continue to focus on non-military and soft strategies as a means to an end in addressing the multifaceted threats that the country faces.

By employing these non-kinetic approaches, the Nigerian military is taking a critical step in securing the nation and promoting long-lasting peace and stability for its citizens.