Abuja — Gen. Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), has highlighted the Nigerian Armed Forces’ reliance on non-kinetic strategies to combat insurgency effectively. Speaking at the Non-Kinetic Operations Coordination Course (NKOCC-3) in Abuja, Musa emphasized the value of these strategies in the ongoing fight against insurgents.
Represented by Raymond Utsaha, the Deputy Director of Peacekeeping Operations at the Defence Headquarters, Musa presented a paper titled “Understanding Non-Kinetic Operations and Capabilities for Irregular Warfare.” He explained that non-kinetic operations—such as quick-impact projects, medical outreach programs, educational support, and image-building activities—have played a crucial role in stabilizing affected regions.
Musa noted that these measures have helped mitigate violence, socioeconomic crises, and politically motivated unrest. However, he also pointed out challenges such as inadequate attention to non-kinetic operations by civil security agencies and the high levels of illiteracy and poverty, which contribute to radicalization and vulnerability among the populace.
The CDS identified the rise in violent extremism and criminal activities, including militancy, banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism, as significant challenges. He attributed these issues to socioeconomic factors and the negative influence of some human rights groups, activists, and media outlets that potentially undermine public confidence in security agencies.
Musa criticized media outlets that report insurgent attacks, arguing that such coverage can erode public trust in the government’s ability to maintain security. He warned that this could lead to a loss of confidence and decreased morale among security personnel.
Garba Malumfashi, a senior fellow at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), also spoke at the event. He reiterated the importance of integrating non-kinetic approaches into national security strategies, particularly in counter-insurgency operations in regions like the North-East, North-West, and Niger Delta.
The course aimed to reassess and strengthen the role of non-kinetic operations in Nigeria’s security management.
