Insecurity: Defence Minister  Urged to Prioritise Non-Kinetic Solutions, Justify National Confidence

. Residents celebrate as  Army neutralises 13  bandits in Sokoto

Michael Olugbode in Abuja and Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto

The Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) has called on the newly appointed Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), to live up to the unprecedented national confidence expressed in his appointment by urgently deploying strategic, non-kinetic approaches to Nigeria’s worsening security crisis.

 In a statement signed by its National President, Hon. Khalil Moh’d Bello, the association noted that General Musa enjoys broad acceptance across the country, but warned that this goodwill comes with extraordinary expectations from the President, the National Assembly and the public. KACRAN said Nigeria is experiencing “perhaps the most serious security challenges in its history,” with citizens and government united in their demand for immediate action to stop kidnappings, school abductions, destruction of farmlands, cattle rustling, attacks on worship centres and the killing of innocent people.

 The group said General Musa’s reputation for outstanding performance in previous military assignments—ranging from operations in Liberia to his role in the North-east and his tenure as Chief of Defence Staff—has elevated public expectations that he can quickly turn the situation around.

 KACRAN stressed that the minister faces an unusually narrow window to deliver results, given the political timetable ahead of the 2027 general elections. With political activities expected to intensify by 2026, the group argued that the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and several governors seeking re-election may hinge largely on whether the new defence minister can significantly reduce insecurity within the next year.

The association warned that if security conditions either stagnate or deteriorate, the current administration could face the kind of electoral backlash experienced by former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015. It therefore, projected that General Musa is expected to achieve “six years’ worth of progress in one year.”

 KACRAN, while expressing full confidence in the minister’s capacity, urged him to deploy a balanced approach that goes beyond force-based operations. 

It recommended: Comprehensive Strategic Mapping: analysing all security threats in order to understand their root causes; Hybrid Response Models: prioritising dialogue and negotiation where feasible and limiting kinetic action to situations where it is unavoidable; Open-Door Engagement: maintaining a channel for citizens and stakeholders to share intelligence and offer constructive solutions.

KACRAN appealed to Nigerians especially traditional rulers, political actors, and security agencies to support the new Defence Minister with timely information and cooperation, stressing that national security requires joint effort.

 The association also reaffirmed its willingness to work closely with the Defence Ministry and urged General Musa to give serious consideration to its specific proposals for ending insecurity in the North West and North Central regions within three to six months using minimal military force.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army has neutralised 13 suspected bandits and recovered their weapons in Tarah and Karawa communities in Sabon Birni local government area.

THISDAY gathered that soldiers stationed in Kurawa near Kwanan Kimbo and engaged the terrorists in a gun battle that lasted for hours on Monday.

A source from the community who pleaded anonymity told our correspondent on Tuesday that soldiers ambushed the terrorists and later followed them to their enclave.

 “The army engaged them in a fierce battle. The bandits later retreated and fled to their enclave across the stream.

 “We counted nine bodies of the terrorists in our area, and another four were found in the nearby the bush along the stream.

 ‘’ Soldiers also recovered several weapons and took them to Kurawa,” the source said.

A reliable source from the army confirmed the encounter and told THISDAY  that it was fierce gun battle by the gallant troops where they neutralised several terrorists.

 The source said that there was no casualty on the side of the army, adding that eight AK 47 rifles and large number of ammunition were recovered from the bandits.

 Sources,  though not authorized to speak on this matter, revealed the terrorists suffered heavy defeat and the operation was by the Operation Fansan Yamma.

It was  confirmed that early Friday morning bandits attacked Gatawa community, faced by local vigilance and team of military engaged them and overpower the terrorists.

Some residents of Kurawa and neighbouring villages celebrated the military successes and appealed for continues operation to salvage the community residents against all forms of attacks.

Confirming the incident, the member representing Sabon Birni Local Government in the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Alhaji Aminu Boza, said at least nine bodies believed to be those of the terrorists had been seen. 

Boza noted that more searches were ongoing.

 It was recalled that Gatawa village and nearby communities of Sabon Birni Local Government Area suffered attacks from bandits.