Title: Ngoshe Attack: Don’t Lose Hope in Anti-Terror War, Defence Minister Tells Nigerians After Tinubu Briefing Date Published: 13 March 2026 Description: The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has urged Nigerians not to lose faith in the country’s fight against terrorism following a high-level security briefing with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.The closed-door meeting, held on Thursday at Aso Rock Presidential Villa, brought together the nation’s top security chiefs, including the newly appointed Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, to review the country’s evolving security situation.The briefing came amid renewed attacks on security formations and communities in parts of the country, particularly the recent deadly assault on Ngoshe in Gwoza Local Government Area by suspected Boko Haram insurgents.Addressing journalists after the meeting, Musa said the session was convened to provide the President with updates on current security developments and to clarify circumstances surrounding the latest wave of attacks.He urged Nigerians not to be discouraged by reports of insurgent activities, stressing that security forces have continued to inflict significant losses on terrorist groups across various theatres of operation.“Our appeal to Nigerians is not to get tired and not to be discouraged,” he said. “Sometimes when you hear the news, you think that is all that is happening, but it is far from that.”According to the Defence Minister, terrorists and bandits have suffered heavy casualties in recent operations, with several commanders neutralised by troops.He acknowledged, however, that the armed forces had also lost a number of “very courageous officers and men,” describing the losses as painful but reaffirming the military’s determination to secure the country.Musa noted that public perception of the conflict is often shaped by incomplete information, adding that the military leadership felt it necessary to present a clearer picture of the ongoing operations.He also commended President Tinubu for sustained support to the armed forces and other security agencies battling insurgency, banditry and related threats.The minister further disclosed that the President had approved additional military equipment to enhance ongoing counter-terrorism operations nationwide.“The President has promised more equipment for us to be able to prosecute the war, and we are sure of victory. It is war, and war comes in phases,” he said.Musa explained that insurgent groups often escalate attacks during the Ramadan period, but said the military had already adjusted its operational strategies to counter the pattern.He added that recent operations had enabled troops to retake some locations previously targeted by insurgents while also seizing weapons and other assets.The Ngoshe attack reportedly began on the evening of March 3 when armed fighters stormed the community, overran a military base and set it ablaze before launching assaults on homes and shops.Local reports indicated that the attack resulted in heavy casualties among soldiers, community leaders and residents, while hundreds of civilians—mostly women and children—were abducted and taken towards the Mandara Mountains.The incident has reignited concerns about security in resettled communities in the region, as Ngoshe had recently welcomed displaced residents returning under government resettlement programmes.Following the attack, the Governor of Borno State, Babagana Umara Zulum, visited survivors who fled to Pulka, promising emergency food support and renewed efforts to rescue those abducted.President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima have also condemned the attack, vowing that the Federal Government will not allow terrorist groups to occupy any part of Nigeria’s territory. Attached Images: ccf68352fe9fb15045f3e33756f48e0bc76e9b544cbe1a8f8fbe7fb79faaf524.jpg Attached Video: None