Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has directed the country’s service chiefs to visit the North-East and North-West to review ongoing military operations following a renewed wave of terrorist attacks in the regions.
The directive was issued on Wednesday during a meeting at the Ministry of Defence where the minister held consultations with the heads of the armed forces over the growing security challenges in the affected areas.
According to Timothy Antigha, media adviser to the minister, the visit is aimed at reassessing operational strategies and strengthening the military’s response to insurgency and banditry.
Antigha told TheCable that the service chiefs are expected to evaluate the security situation on the ground and submit reports containing recommendations for improving ongoing operations.
The directive comes amid increasing attacks by terrorist groups targeting military formations in the North-East.
On Monday, fighters linked to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) reportedly killed a commanding officer of the Nigerian Army during an assault on a military base in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.
Troops of the Nigerian Army also repelled another early morning attack by suspected ISWAP fighters on a military base in the same area the following day.
Earlier, suspected militants from Boko Haram and ISWAP attempted to overrun military positions in Ngoshe, located in Gwoza Local Government Area of the state.
The Nigerian Air Force later said that air strikes carried out in response to the attacks killed more than 50 suspected terrorists.
The latest directive by the defence minister is expected to lead to adjustments in military tactics as security forces intensify efforts to contain insurgent activities and restore stability in northern Nigeria.
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