HURIWA Backs Musa’s Defence Initiative, Calls for Civilian Collaboration in Anti-Terror War
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria has called on Nigerians and civil society organisations to rally behind the country’s defence leadership as efforts intensify to combat terrorism and strengthen national security.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the group specifically urged support for the Minister of Defence, Christopher Gwabin Musa, noting that his team is laying critical groundwork aimed at enhancing the protection of lives and property across the country.
HURIWA said available information indicates that the Ministry of Defence is undertaking strategic reforms designed to deliver a more effective and efficient counterterrorism framework. The group described these efforts as foundational to achieving long-term security stability.
The organisation also endorsed the position of the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, who recently called on communities in Nigeria’s North-East to collaborate closely with security agencies. According to HURIWA, such cooperation is essential in dismantling terrorist networks, particularly those embedded within local populations affected by insurgent activities linked to Boko Haram and ISWAP.
HURIWA further welcomed a recent defence agreement involving global security firm MARSS and Nigeria’s Ministry of Defence. The memorandum of understanding, signed in London on March 19, 2026, is valued at over $190 million and is expected to deliver Nigeria’s first fully integrated national defence architecture.
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The multi-year programme will deploy advanced NiDAR artificial intelligence-enabled command, control, communications, computers and intelligence (C4I) systems. It also includes the establishment of a national command centre, regional hubs, and an integrated network of sensors, unmanned aerial vehicles, and expeditionary platforms to enhance surveillance and operational coordination across air and land domains.
Reacting to the development, UK Defence Minister Lord Coaker described the agreement as a reflection of the deepening security partnership between the United Kingdom and Nigeria, highlighting the role of British technology in supporting Nigeria’s counterterrorism operations.
HURIWA said the agreement demonstrates the commitment of the defence ministry to modernising the country’s security architecture and called for sustained backing from civil society leaders to ensure the successful implementation of such initiatives.
The group also reiterated its support for directives issued by General Musa, particularly his instruction to troops to engage armed threats decisively without awaiting further orders. According to HURIWA, this operational approach is critical to reducing casualties among security personnel and restoring confidence in military operations.
However, the organisation stressed the need for adequate provision of modern weapons and equipment to match the evolving capabilities of terrorist groups. It argued that improved logistics and material support for frontline troops are essential to achieving decisive outcomes in the ongoing war against insurgency.
While reaffirming its support for intensified military action, HURIWA expressed opposition to the reintegration of former terrorists, advocating instead for strategies aimed at completely dismantling insurgent networks.
The statement was signed by the group’s National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, who maintained that a unified national effort remains key to ending terrorism in Nigeria.
By PRNigeria
