Musa said that protecting civilians remains a cornerstone of Nigeria’s military doctrine, despite the operational challenges posed by insurgents and criminal networks who deliberately embed themselves within civilian populations. This tactic, he argued, is designed to provoke civilian casualties and discredit the military. He reiterated that the armed forces’ rules of engagement are guided by both Nigerian law and international humanitarian principles, and he emphasized the army’s readiness to investigate any credible allegations of misconduct.

The general also called for a reassessment of international legal frameworks, claiming they often restrict legitimate security forces from taking decisive action while armed groups operate without fear of repercussions. This imbalance, he said, undermines the ability of states like Nigeria to respond effectively to threats within their borders.

Training, Accountability, And Expanding Threats

Addressing concerns about accountability, Musa highlighted that all Nigerian soldiers undergo rigorous human rights and humanitarian law training both domestically and in foreign military institutions. He acknowledged that “unintentional mistakes” have occurred in past operations but stressed that such incidents are investigated, and corrective measures are implemented.

Musa also drew attention to the growing complexity of Nigeria’s security environment, noting the navy’s seizure of 76 vessels involved in oil theft over the past two years as part of a wider campaign against economic crimes. He said the armed forces are increasingly stretched between fighting insurgencies in the north and tackling organized criminal activities in the oil-rich Niger Delta, calling for sustained public and international support to address these multifaceted threats.