Vice President Kashim Shettima has cautioned that the significant progress being made in degrading terrorist capabilities must not be mistaken for final victory, calling for sustained vigilance, continuous adaptation, and strengthened collaboration among all stakeholders.
Speaking as Special Guest during the unveiling of a book, “Counter-terrorism and Counter-insurgency in the North East Volume 1 and 2”, Shettima called for deeper investment in military capacity, intelligence, technology, and civil-military cooperation, as well as sustained attention to the welfare and morale of troops fighting the terrorists. The book is written by Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim Yusuf (Rtd), a former Theatre Commander in the North East, and Commandant of the Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA).
Represented by his Special Adviser on General Duties, Dr Aliyu Modibo, Shettima assured that the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, remains firmly committed to ensuring the operational readiness, dignity, and welfare of the Armed Forces of Nigeria. The Vice President said 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, adding that 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 emphasised that national security challenges must be understood and addressed through the experiences of those who have served on the frontlines as 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.”
According to the Vice President, 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 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.
The author, retired General Yusuf, said he 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 the nation, as well as encouragement by scholars and institutions—particularly defence and war colleges—to document his operational experiences. He said that many people have expected him to 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.”
Yusuf said the book reflected his personal experiences and views, but deliberately avoided discussing sensitive aspects that could compromise ongoing operations or breach professional ethics. “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. The perspectives shared are drawn from over a decade of active involvement in operations in the North-East and the Lake Chad Basin.”
