The Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) has called on the newly appointed Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), to justify the widespread national confidence in his appointment by adopting strategic, non-kinetic measures to address Nigeria’s deepening security crisis.
In a statement signed by its National President, Hon. Khalil Moh’d Bello, KACRAN noted that while General Musa enjoys broad acceptance across the country, this goodwill comes with immense expectations from the President, the National Assembly, and the public. The association described the current security situation as “perhaps the most serious in Nigeria’s history,” citing widespread kidnappings, school abductions, destruction of farmlands, cattle rustling, attacks on worship centres, and killings of innocent citizens.
KACRAN highlighted General Musa’s track record in previous military assignments, including operations in Liberia, counterinsurgency efforts in the North-east, and his tenure as Chief of Defence Staff, noting that these accomplishments have heightened public hopes that he can swiftly restore security.
The association stressed that the minister faces a narrow window to deliver meaningful results, especially with political activities expected to intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections. KACRAN warned that if insecurity persists or worsens, the administration could face significant political repercussions, similar to the backlash experienced by former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015. It emphasized that General Musa is expected to achieve “six years’ worth of progress in one year.”
While expressing confidence in his capabilities, KACRAN urged the minister to adopt a balanced approach that goes beyond force-based operations. The group recommended comprehensive strategic mapping to identify and understand the root causes of security threats, hybrid response models that prioritise dialogue and negotiation, and open-door engagement for citizens and stakeholders to share intelligence and constructive solutions.
The association appealed to Nigerians including traditional rulers, political actors, and security agencies to support the Defence Ministry with timely information and cooperation, stressing that national security requires collective effort. KACRAN also reaffirmed its readiness to collaborate closely with the ministry and urged serious consideration of its proposals to curb insecurity in the North West and North Central regions within three to six months using minimal military force.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army reported success in recent operations in Tarah and Kurawa communities in Sabon Birni Local Government Area. Soldiers neutralised 13 suspected bandits, recovered eight AK-47 rifles, and seized a large cache of ammunition during intense gun battles that lasted several hours.
Residents said the bandits, who attacked Gatawa community, were repelled by local vigilantes and military personnel. Nine bodies were recovered in Kurawa, with four more found nearby. The army confirmed the encounter was part of Operation Fansan Yamma, emphasizing that no soldiers were harmed.
Community members celebrated the military successes and called for sustained operations to protect local residents. Alhaji Aminu Boza, representing Sabon Birni in the Sokoto State House of Assembly, confirmed the recovered bodies and noted that ongoing searches continue to ensure the area’s security.
KACRAN’s statement and the recent military operations underline the urgent need for coordinated strategies that combine tactical enforcement with community engagement to restore public confidence and curb the country’s growing security challenges.
