Abuja: Vice President Kashim Shettima has tasked military commanders on sustaining coordinated pressure on terrorist groups while strengthening intelligence, technology, and civil-military cooperation to consolidate gains in the North-East. Shettima delivered this charge in Abuja at the public presentation of ‘Counterterrorism and Counterinsurgency Operations in North East Nigeria,’ volumes 1 and 2, authored by retired Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim Yusuf.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Shettima, represented by the Special Adviser to the President on General Duties, Dr. Aliyu Modibbo, urged commanders to remain vigilant and adaptive. He emphasized that while significant progress had been made in degrading terrorist capabilities, this progress should not be mistaken for final victory. He highlighted that Nigeria’s security challenges necessitate a comprehensive, whole-of-society approach involving the military, intelligence services, policymakers, and civilians.
The Vice President acknowledged the resilience and professionalism of the Nigerian Armed Forces in confronting complex asymmetric threats. He remarked that Nigeria’s recent experiences are not indicative of a nation overwhelmed by danger, but rather a testament to the resilience and courage of Nigerians who continue to defend their shared destiny. Shettima noted that the North-East crisis remains both a security challenge and a humanitarian tragedy, underscoring the necessity for sustained vigilance against violent extremism.
He emphasized that counterterrorism operations must be understood through the lived experiences of frontline personnel, whose testimonies offer critical lessons for future policy and strategy. Shettima commended the author for documenting operational experiences and strategic lessons, describing the publication as ‘timely and important’ for national security discourse. He stressed that the work would help correct misinformation and deepen understanding of counter-insurgency operations in Nigeria.
Shettima further called for enhanced investment in military capability, intelligence gathering, technology deployment, and civil-military relations, alongside continuous attention to troop welfare and morale. He paid tribute to members of the Armed Forces, intelligence community, humanitarian workers, and civilians who have contributed to stabilization efforts in affected regions, as well as those who have paid the supreme price in service to the nation. He reiterated the commitment of the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu to strengthen the operational readiness and welfare of the Armed Forces.
He congratulated the author and urged that the publication be widely used across military institutions, academic environments, and policy circles to enrich doctrine and strategic learning. He added that Nigeria must remain united and resolute in confronting insecurity while drawing lessons from past operations to secure lasting peace.
A renowned scholar and book reviewer, Prof. Eghosa Osaghae, described the new two-volume book as a landmark contribution to military scholarship and counter-terrorism operations. Osaghae praised the author’s blend of theory and field experience in addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges. He noted that the author, a highly decorated retired general, distinguished himself in counter-insurgency operations and earned multiple honors and international recognition. According to him, the books, spanning about 900 pages with detailed tables and figures, provide a comprehensive analysis of counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism, grounded in both academic rigor and practical command experience.