Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), has rated the security performance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration at between 65 and 70 percent, a remark that has sparked debate across the country amid continued concerns over insecurity.
Speaking during an interview on ARISE News on Friday, Musa assessed the government’s efforts nearly three years into its tenure, arguing that while challenges remain, there have been measurable improvements in tackling terrorism and insurgency.
“I’ll give ourselves 65 to 70 per cent. No nation is totally free from crime and criminality. The level of terrorism across the country has actually drastically reduced,” Musa said.
His comments come at a time when parts of Nigeria continue to grapple with kidnappings, bandit attacks, and sporadic violence, particularly in the North-West and North-Central regions. Critics have questioned the optimism of the minister’s assessment, pointing to recent incidents that highlight persistent security gaps.
However, Musa maintained that the broader trend shows progress when compared with previous years. According to him, coordinated military operations, improved intelligence sharing, and increased collaboration among security agencies have contributed to weakening insurgent networks.
Security analysts note that while large-scale terrorist attacks linked to groups such as Boko Haram have declined in frequency, the nature of insecurity in Nigeria has evolved. Criminal gangs involved in kidnapping for ransom and rural banditry have become more prominent, often operating across state lines and exploiting porous borders.
Government officials have repeatedly emphasized ongoing reforms within the armed forces and security architecture, including investments in equipment and personnel training. Musa echoed this position, suggesting that the current administration has laid a foundation for long-term stability, even if immediate results are uneven.
The minister’s remarks have nonetheless triggered mixed reactions among Nigerians, with some acknowledging improvements in certain areas, while others argue that everyday security realities, particularly in rural communities, tell a different story.
As the Tinubu administration approaches its mid-term mark, security remains one of the most critical benchmarks by which its performance is judged. Observers say the coming months will be key in determining whether recent gains can be sustained and extended to regions still facing persistent threats.