A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Uche Nwosu, has praised President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), for what he described as renewed and more effective military operations against banditry, insurgency and kidnapping across Nigeria.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, Nwosu said the recent gains recorded by the armed forces are a result of the administration’s decision to appoint experienced professionals to key security positions. According to him, having a retired senior military officer as defence minister has brought fresh confidence and a more practical approach to Nigeria’s security architecture.
Nwosu explained that, unlike previous arrangements where defence ministers relied mainly on briefings, the current minister brings hands-on operational experience, having risen through the military ranks.
“The difference is obvious. With General Musa in charge, it is no longer business as usual. He understands the terrain and the strategy, and that is why we are seeing results,” he said.
He noted that recent military offensives in several troubled areas have disrupted the activities of bandits, forcing many to flee their hideouts.
“Instead of waiting for criminals to strike and escape, they are now being confronted directly in their camps. This has helped to restore public confidence,” he added.
According to Nwosu, the improved security situation has encouraged Nigerians to travel more freely, especially during the festive period, with fewer reports of kidnappings on major highways.
He also dismissed calls for dialogue or negotiation with bandits, insisting that criminals responsible for mass killings and abductions do not deserve such concessions.
“You cannot negotiate with people who invade communities, kill innocent citizens and abduct children. They don’t negotiate when they are killing,” he stressed.
While urging the Federal Government to sustain the current military momentum, particularly in states like Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, Borno and Plateau, Nwosu called on political leaders to adopt long-term strategies for national security and economic recovery.
“If banditry is defeated and agriculture is fully supported, Nigeria can become the food basket of Africa,” he said.
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Nwosu also commended the Federal Government’s push for local refining in the petroleum sector, including recent developments around domestic refineries. He described the move as a strategic step toward economic stability, noting that refining crude oil locally would reduce costs and strengthen the economy.
On tax reforms, he appealed to President Tinubu to carefully review ongoing fiscal policies, particularly their impact on small and medium-sized businesses. While acknowledging the need for economic reforms, he warned that additional tax burdens on struggling businesses could worsen hardship.
“Small businesses are still trying to survive. Tax reforms should protect them, while larger companies with stronger financial capacity should shoulder more responsibility,” he said.
He concluded that a fair and balanced tax system would encourage business growth, create jobs and ease economic pressure on ordinary Nigerians.
