The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), alongside the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, on Tuesday restated the Federal Government’s firm commitment to crush terrorism and restore lasting peace in Nigeria’s North-East, as gathered by Newspadi.
The ministers made this known during a solemn visit to Borno State, where they honoured soldiers who paid the ultimate price while fighting insurgents in the region. Their visit formed part of ongoing efforts to boost troop morale and reassure residents that the government remains focused on ending years of insecurity.
Gen. Musa and Matawalle arrived at the Maimalari Cantonment Cemetery in Maiduguri in the company of top military officers, including the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Maj. Gen. Abubakar Abdulsalam. At the cemetery, they laid wreaths in honour of fallen troops, standing in silence as a mark of respect for those who died defending the nation.
As observed by Newspadi, the atmosphere reflected both grief and pride—grief for lives lost and pride in the courage displayed by the soldiers.
Before heading to the cemetery, the ministers visited the Borno State Government House, where they met with Governor Babagana Zulum to commiserate with the state over a recent bomb explosion that killed 23 people and left 108 others injured.
During the meeting, Gen. Musa assured the state government and residents that Abuja would not back down in the fight against terrorism. He stressed that the Federal Government sees Borno’s pain as a national concern.
“Borno is home to all of us,” Musa said. “Whatever affects Borno affects the entire country. We will not stop until we achieve total peace in this region.”
He further revealed that President Bola Tinubu has continued to provide strong support to the Armed Forces and other security agencies, ensuring they have the resources needed to tackle insurgency head-on.
According to Musa, the military remains determined to defeat terror groups and secure every community affected by years of violence. He also extended heartfelt condolences to families who lost loved ones in the recent attack, praying for the repose of the deceased and comfort for those left behind.
“We sympathise with everyone who lost lives and property in that unfortunate incident,” he added. “We pray that God grants the victims eternal rest and gives their families the strength to bear the loss.”
Responding on behalf of Governor Zulum, Deputy Governor Umar Kadafur appreciated the Federal Government and the Armed Forces for their continued sacrifices in stabilising Borno State.
Kadafur acknowledged the difficult conditions under which soldiers operate and praised their resilience in the face of persistent threats. He noted that troops under Operation Hadin Kai have consistently stood by the state during critical moments.
“We deeply appreciate your sacrifices,” Kadafur said. “The Armed Forces have played a vital role in restoring relative peace in Borno, and we cannot thank you enough.”
He also expressed sympathy to the military over the loss of personnel in various attacks across the state, describing the fallen soldiers as heroes who gave everything for the country.
However, the deputy governor urged the military to strengthen coordination between ground troops and air components to improve operational outcomes. He stressed that better synergy would help security forces respond faster and more effectively to threats.
Newspadi gathered that this call for improved collaboration reflects ongoing efforts to enhance military strategy in the region.
Speaking earlier at a burial ceremony for some of the fallen soldiers, the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Maj. Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, described the losses as a painful reminder of the sacrifices that come with military service.
He noted that while the military often celebrates victories, moments like these highlight the true cost of defending the nation.
“In the profession of arms, we experience moments of triumph that make us proud,” he said. “But we also face moments like this that weigh heavily on our hearts and remind us of the sacrifices our personnel make daily.”
Abubakar praised the fallen soldiers for their courage, loyalty and unwavering dedication to duty. He said they fought bravely and stood firm in the face of danger, choosing to serve the nation above personal safety.
“These men gave their lives for a cause greater than themselves,” he stated. “They fought for the nation, for the people, and for the ideals they swore to protect. Their bravery and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
As gathered by Newspadi, the visit by the defence ministers sends a strong message to both troops and civilians that the government remains fully engaged in the fight against insurgency. It also reinforces the resolve to honour fallen heroes while pushing forward with renewed determination to secure the region.
Despite ongoing challenges, authorities continue to express confidence that sustained military pressure, improved intelligence, and stronger collaboration among security agencies will eventually bring lasting peace to the North-East.
