Nigeria: Military Moves to Choke Logistics, Financial Lifelines Sustaining Asymmetric Warfare

What the report says

Nigeria’s defence minister, Christopher Gwabin Musa, said in Abuja that the military is revising its approach to weaken the logistical and financial support networks that sustain asymmetric warfare. The remarks, carried by This Day and distributed by AllAfrica, came as he claimed the armed forces and partner intelligence agencies have disrupted the operating capacity of major extremist groups, including Boko Haram and ISWAP.

According to the report, Musa said the security situation has shifted from large, open attacks on communities and military posts to smaller-scale violence, including kidnappings and abductions. He urged villagers not to act as informants or supply food, fuel or water to armed groups, arguing that such assistance helps prolong the conflict. He also said security agencies are working with the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit to trace illicit funding through proxy accounts, social media fundraising and cryptocurrency.

The minister added that troops had rescued more than 700 abducted people through ongoing operations, and said President Bola Tinubu had ordered a review of salaries and pensions for serving personnel and veterans. He also said authorities were tightening border controls with cameras and drones, while expanding military and police presence. Some of the claims in the article reflect the government’s account and should be read in that context.