Nigeria’s Defence Minister, Christopher Musa, has outlined a new security strategy that will pull military personnel off roadblocks nationwide and deploy them into forest regions where terrorists and armed groups operate. He made the announcement during his ministerial screening before the 10th Senate, describing the shift as a necessary step toward reclaiming rural spaces and strengthening internal security.
Musa said routine checkpoint duties will be taken over by the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, allowing the armed forces to pursue direct offensive operations in remote bases used by criminal groups. He told lawmakers that independent patrol units will be created to support the police and civil defence, adding that the entire checkpoint system will be reviewed to replace outdated methods with a more results-oriented approach.
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The minister stressed that moving soldiers into the forests would help restore farming across the country, noting that safe access to farmland remains one of the clearest markers of national stability. He warned that food shortages can heighten public frustration and trigger wider unrest, which is why the government must ensure that farmers can operate without fear. He added that cooperation with the Civil Defence Corps, including the agro rangers, will be expanded to protect agricultural communities and secure farmlands.
Musa also outlined plans for a firm clampdown on illegal mining and other activities that fund insecurity. He said the Ministry of Defence will work with the Office of the National Security Adviser to prevent states from entering negotiations that weaken national security.
According to him, talks with criminal groups only give them room to reorganise and acquire more weapons, a trend that has repeatedly complicated security operations. He said all activities that threaten national stability, including illegal mining, will be shut down through coordinated enforcement.
