Jihadist Threat Rising as CDS Warns of Sahel Infiltration, Tinubu Approves New Military Assets

• The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has warned of increasing jihadist infiltration into Nigeria from the Sahel region due to weak borders.

• He made this known after meeting with President Tinubu in Abuja.

• Gen. Musa said the jihadists, pushed out of neighboring countries like Mali and Niger, are entering northern Nigeria and escalating violence.

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has raised an alarm over the rising threat of jihadist fighters infiltrating Nigeria through its porous borders.

Speaking after a closed-door meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at Aso Rock on Friday, the CDS pointed to growing pressure from militant groups expelled from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.

“What has happened recently is that there’s a global push by terrorists and jihadists all over the Sahel area, and that pressure is what actually came into Nigeria because of the porous nature of our borders,” Gen. Musa told reporters.

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He noted that jihadist attacks have surged by over 40% since 2023, with armed groups like Islamic State Sahel Province and Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin moving into Kaduna, Niger, and Plateau states.

In response, Musa revealed that the president had approved the purchase of advanced air assets and equipment to strengthen military operations.

“Our meeting today was to review the entire security situation. The president is concerned about what’s going on, and we reassured him we’re on top of our game. We’re working extremely hard,” he added.

President Tinubu reportedly directed the military to enhance border collaboration with neighboring countries.

Gen. Musa emphasised the importance of both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies in tackling insecurity.

He also stressed the need for joint efforts with state governments, local authorities, and communities.

“We cannot do it alone; we need their support. The federal government is doing a lot, but states and communities must also play their part to ensure peace in Nigeria,” he said.

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In a plea to the public, Musa urged vigilance and responsible sharing of information.

“It’s important we all cooperate with security agencies. If we see something wrong anywhere, report it; action will be taken, including against personnel who misbehave. Many videos spread are old or from other countries, giving false impressions,” he warned.

He concluded with a message to Nigerians: “We appeal to Nigerians not to get tired and to be wary of fake news. You wonder why some people are happy when things go wrong in their country.”