Terrorists Intensify Attacks During Ramadan Believing Death Brings Heaven — Defence Minister Musa

By Tgnews Reporter

Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), has attributed the recent surge in terrorist and bandit attacks to the holy month of Ramadan, stating that insurgents become more aggressive because they believe martyrdom during this period guarantees entry into heaven.

Speaking to State House correspondents in Abuja after a closed-door security meeting with President Bola Tinubu and service chiefs, Musa explained that the phenomenon is “normal” behaviour observed among terrorist groups during Ramadan.

“During Ramadan period these terrorists usually feel when they die, they’re going to heaven. So they are ready to commit any offense to get k!lled to get their reward,” the minister said.

He described the mindset as driving fighters to take greater risks, including launching desperate operations in hopes of being killed and claiming what they perceive as a divine reward.

The statement came amid ongoing counterterrorism operations in the North-East and North-West, where recent attacks have raised public concern. Musa, however, insisted that the military maintains the upper hand, noting heavy losses inflicted on insurgents.

“The terrorists and the bandits are taking more casualties. Their commanders are being killed everyday,” he affirmed. “We’ve killed their commanders and taken over their assets. We’ll continue to do more.”

Musa briefed journalists following a strategic review with service chiefs, including the Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Naval Staff, and Chief of Air Staff, to assess the security situation and refine tactics.

He emphasized that President Tinubu approved fresh military hardware to bolster operations against terrorism and banditry.

The defence minister also urged the media to avoid amplifying terrorist propaganda, which he said could demoralize troops and give undue publicity to criminals.

The comments follow a pattern noted in previous years where violence sometimes escalates during Ramadan in parts of the country affected by groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP affiliates, though security analysts attribute spikes to various factors including operational opportunities and ideological motivations.

Musa reiterated the armed forces’ commitment to victory, assuring Nigerians that intensified efforts, intelligence coordination, and new resources will degrade terrorist capabilities.

The Ramadan period, currently underway, has seen calls for heightened vigilance across affected regions as troops sustain pressure on insurgent hideouts.