Nigeria’s Defence Minister, General Christopher Musa, has sought to reassure citizens following a high-level security meeting with President Bola Tinubu.
Musa dismissed what he described as “slanted reports” in the media, insisting that terrorists and bandits are suffering heavy losses. “Their commanders are being killed every day. We are sure of victory,” he declared.
But his comments have led to a wave of reactions online, with many Nigerians questioning the government’s approach to the insurgency and the credibility of its claims and stressing government was playing politics with the lives of Nigerians and soldiers.
Ekenemchukwu (@e_ekenem) urged authorities to “go after their sponsors and sympathisers,” arguing that without tackling the financiers of terrorism, “any other thing you are talking is gibberish.”
Others were more scathing. iOccupyNigeria (@iOccupyNigeria) dismissed Musa’s remarks as “rubbish,” stressing that Nigeria is facing asymmetrical warfare, not a conventional battle. “Who are their commanders? Do Nigerians even know their names? Do we care?” the user asked, pointing out that insurgency thrives despite the deaths of leaders like Abubakar Shekau. “What Nigerians want to hear is simple: How many of our soldiers survive? How many attacks did you people stop?”
James Abraham (@JamesUAbraham) lamented that Nigerians have misplaced confidence in Musa, claiming he has been “tamed” by political figures around the presidency. “Nigerians want to hear from their president,” he added.
Other voices expressed frustration at the lack of evidence to back official claims.
Patrick Isaac (@Patrick_isacc) asked, “Where’s the evidence? US army leaves evidence, Israel does the same, even terrorists show evidence of their attacks, why’s the Nigerian army not showing evidence?”
Some comments were outright dismissive. Justin Madu (@Madu4Justin) branded Musa “the worst defence minister ever,” while Smartofficial (@Smartoffictd) accused him of betraying the youth: “Sure of which victory? You guys are fools… Because of you, I will never trust any politician again.”
Yet not all responses were critical. Alaka Tunde (@Alakatunde) praised Musa’s “reassurance and boldness,” commending the courage of Nigeria’s security forces and expressing hope for “lasting peace and safety.”
The dominant sentiment online reflects deep scepticism.
Many Nigerians argue that killing commanders is not enough, that insurgency requires cutting off sponsors, protecting soldiers, and preventing attacks.
As one user, Mkay (@Mkaypapi), put it bluntly: “Terrorists show evidence every day, they even come on TikTok and social media. But your own commander killing is audio.”
