The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has stated that security forces are closing in on terrorists and bandits operating across Nigeria. He made this known at the closing ceremony of the 2025 CDS Joint Task Force Commanders Conference, held in Abuja. The theme of the event was “Enhancing Jointness Across All Theatres of Operation.”
General Musa noted that a major breakthrough was achieved during a raid in Zamfara forest on Thursday night, where a notorious bandit leader, Kachana Nafaresh, and several of his fighters were killed. He also revealed that the hideout of another wanted bandit, Sani Black, which had long served as a key base for criminal activities, was raided and destroyed.
According to him, security operations, supported by airstrikes, stormed Sani Black’s camp and set fire to his house, forcing him to flee. “In a follow-up operation, troops advanced into Tufan and Mashima villages, further dislodging armed groups and pushing them deeper into the forest,” he said.
He also noted that security forces returned to areas previously occupied by notorious bandit leader Bello Turji. The remaining portions of his camp, which had been targeted in earlier operations, were completely destroyed in a renewed effort to eliminate his presence.
“Reports indicate that both Turji and Sani Black are now in this area desperately seeking escape routes as the pressure mounts,” Musa stated.
The defence chief noted that these offensives send a strong message to all armed groups that the era of impunity is over. He stressed that for years, terrorists and criminals have taken advantage of Nigeria’s difficult terrain to establish fortified hideouts and launch deadly attacks on communities. However, with the ongoing military operations gaining momentum, the situation is shifting.
He explained that security forces are using a combination of land, air, and maritime operations to secure the entire nation. Special forces have been working tirelessly to ensure that banditry and terrorism are brought under control.
Musa noted that the conference provided an opportunity to exchange ideas on how to enhance the success of joint military operations. He stated that some key lessons from the discussions include the importance of teamwork, resourcefulness, and stronger political commitment to addressing security challenges.
“Nevertheless, as an armed force, we must foster a culture of cooperation, collaboration, and synergy among our troops,” he said. “By breaking down barriers, sharing our resources, and leveraging on each other’s strengths, we can maximize our collective impact and achieve our shared objectives.”
The CDS urged commanders to remain dedicated and focused, reminding them of the enormous responsibility ahead. He also stated that President Bola Tinubu has given them a clear mandate to secure Nigeria, encouraging them to be innovative and adaptable in responding to emerging security threats.
He noted that as threats continue to evolve, security forces must constantly assess and improve their strategies, tactics, and capabilities to stay ahead of criminal elements.
