By Chimezie Godfrey
Vice President Kashim Shettima has reassured Nigerians that President Bola Tinubu is committed to ensuring the operational readiness, and welfare of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, as part of ongoing effort to tackle the menace of terrorism in the country.
Shettima who gave the assurance during the occasion of the launch of the book titled,” Counterterrorism and Counterinsurgency Operations in the North East Nigeria”, at the National Defence College, Abuja, on Thursday, noted that what Nigeria has endured in recent years is a reflection of the resilience and courage of Nigerians who continue to stand firm in defence of a shared destiny.
He therefore reaffirmed the commitment of the President Tinubu’s administration to tackle and defeat terrorism in the country by ensuring the operational readiness of troops, and prioritizing their welfare.
”The Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, remains firmly committed to ensuring the operational readiness, dignity, and welfare of the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” he assured.
Ably represented by the Special Adviser on General Duties, office of the Vice President, Dr Aliyu Umar Modibbo, the Vice President noted that Nigeria has remained standing despite being bedeviled by security challenges.
”We have lived through a season marked by fear, violence, and the disruption of communities. Yet despite these challenges, Nigeria remains standing—resilient, determined, and unbroken.
”The struggle in the North-East represents not only a security challenge but also a deeply human tragedy affecting communities with rich historical, cultural, and intellectual heritage. This reality reminds us that no nation is immune to the consequences of violent extremism, and that collective vigilance is required to prevent its spread,” he said.
The Vice President emphasised that national security challenges must be understood and addressed through the experiences of those who have served on the frontlines, adding that their testimonies provide invaluable lessons for policymakers, scholars, and future generations.
“It is in this context that the publication “Counterterrorism and Counterinsurgency Operations in North East Nigeria” is both timely and important. The book contributes significantly to national security literature by documenting operational experiences, strategic lessons, and institutional reflections drawn from the theatre of operations.
”The author is commended for providing a structured body of knowledge grounded in command experience and professional reflection. At a time when public discourse on insecurity is often shaped by speculation, this work offers clarity, perspective, and evidence-based insight,” he said.
Shettima stressed that terrorism and insurgency are complex phenomena that cannot be addressed by military force alone. “They require a comprehensive approach involving intelligence, diplomacy, technology, community engagement, development, and trust between security forces and the civilian population,”he said.
The Vice President acknowledged the sacrifices of members of the Armed Forces, intelligence services, humanitarian workers, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and citizens who continue to support efforts to restore peace across affected regions.
”We also honour those who paid the supreme price in the line of duty, as well as their families whose sacrifices remain the foundation of our national security.
While significant progress has been made in degrading terrorist capabilities, the Vice President cautions that progress must not be mistaken for final victory. Terrorism requires sustained vigilance, continuous adaptation, and strengthened collaboration among all stakeholders.
He therefore calls for deeper investment in military capacity, intelligence, technology, and civil-military cooperation, as well as sustained attention to the welfare and morale of our troops.
The Vice President congratulated the author for the important intellectual contribution to national security and encouraged that the book be widely disseminated across military institutions, academic environments, and policy circles.
”May the lessons contained in this work strengthen our collective resolve to secure our nation. May the sacrifices of our heroes not be in vain. And may the Federal Republic of Nigeria continue to stand united, peaceful, and resilient.
Thank you, and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd) who congratulated the author of the book said the fight against terrorism and insurgency in the North-East is one of the most complex security challenges Nigeria has faced in recent history.
”Let me congratulate the author for this remarkable intellectual contribution to national security and military history. The fight against terrorism and insurgency in the North-East remains one of the most complex security challenges Nigeria has faced in recent history.
”It is not a challenge of professionalism or capability alone. It is an asymmetric form of warfare that requires the involvement of the entire society. The Armed Forces cannot win this fight alone.
”Success depends on collective national effort—military, civil authorities, and citizens working together to deny terrorists space, support, and legitimacy. This is because the enemy often operates within communities, making it essential for Nigerians to remain vigilant and united,” Gen Musa stressed.
The Defence Minister assured that the Armed Forces would continue to do their part, “but the public must also support ongoing operations. Only through shared responsibility can we achieve lasting peace”.
In his remarks, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen. Olufemi Oluyede noted that the book represents a significant intellectual contribution to “our collective understanding of counterterrorism, counterinsurgency, operational planning, and strategic studies in Nigeria”, commending the author for documenting his vast operational experiences for the benefit of current and future generations of military practitioners and policymakers
Gen. Oluyede said the realities of contemporary security threats demand continuous learning, adaptation, and the documentation of operational lessons. “In this regard, these two volumes provide valuable perspectives that bridge theory and practice in military operations.
”The depth and clarity demonstrated in this work reflect profound insight into the management of counterterrorism and counterinsurgency within Nigeria’s evolving security environment. It also highlights the importance of intelligence-led operations, inter-agency cooperation, and strategic coordination in addressing asymmetric threats.
”It is my sincere hope that this publication will inspire other retired senior officers and veterans with rich operational experience to document their knowledge and contribute to military scholarship, doctrine development, and strategic planning,” he said.
The Book Reviewer, Prof. Eghosa Osaghae
noted that the book represents a significant scholarly contribution to the theory and practice of counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations.
”Drawing from both academic research and first-hand operational experience, the author provides a comprehensive analysis of modern warfare, particularly the evolving dynamics of asymmetric conflicts.
”One of the strengths of the work lies in its balance between theory and practice. The author situates Nigeria’s counter-terrorism experience within the broader global context of “new wars” — conflicts characterised by non-state actors, unconventional tactics and blurred lines between combatants and civilians.
”He interrogates key questions, including why armies with strong conventional warfare records, such as the Nigerian Army, face challenges in counter-insurgency operations. The conclusion is clear: these conflicts are complex, evolving and unfamiliar, requiring new doctrines, frameworks and adaptive strategies,” he said.
In his remarks, the Author of the book, Retired Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim Yusuf, said the work was driven by a deep sense of obligation to give back to the younger generation of officers and soldiers who continue to make sacrifices in defence of “our nation”.
”Over the years, I have also been encouraged by scholars and institutions—particularly defence and war colleges—to document my operational experiences.
Many have expected that I would provide first-hand insights into why we record successes in counterinsurgency operations, as well as the reasons behind occasional setbacks. Given the numerous narratives and misconceptions in the public domain, I felt compelled to contribute a balanced and professional perspective,” he said.
Gen. Yusuf revealed that the book is intended to provide fresh insights into critical national security issues and to fill existing gaps in literature on counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations in Nigeria.
According to him, the perspectives shared are drawn from over a decade of active involvement in operations in the North-East and the Lake Chad Basin.
”I am optimistic that this work will contribute meaningfully to national security discourse and serve as a valuable resource for policymakers, military professionals, and other stakeholders. More importantly, I hope it will stimulate critical thinking and informed decision-making in addressing our security challenges.
”I would like to express my profound gratitude to His Excellency, Vice President Kashim Shettima, for his unwavering support, particularly during his tenure as Governor of Borno State. His commitment to the security and stabilisation of the North-East significantly contributed to the successes recorded during my time in the theatre,” he said.
He also appreciated the Federal Government for its continued support to the Armed Forces, as well as the governors of the North-East, members of the National Assembly, and all stakeholders who have contributed to national security efforts.
The highlight of the event was the unveiling/launching of the book. Stakeholders, friends and colleagues testified of Gen. Yusuf’s outstanding military career, exceptional military leadership, and outstanding contributions to military operations, stressing that he was the most decorated military officer as at the time of his retirement.
The auspicious occasion was graced by representatives of members of the national assembly, Governors, Ministers , Service Chiefs, former CDS, former Service Chiefs, among other distinguished dignitaries.