“Terrorists Intensify Attacks During Ramadan Because They Believe If They Die, They Would Go To Heaven” — Defence Minister

Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has said that terrorist groups often increase their attacks during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan because many fighters believe dying during the period guarantees them entry into heaven.

 

The minister made the remark on Thursday while addressing journalists shortly after a closed-door security meeting with Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

 

The meeting, which lasted for nearly two hours, brought together top security chiefs to review the country’s security situation amid growing concerns about renewed insurgent activities across several parts of the country, particularly in the North-East.

 

Speaking after the meeting, Musa explained that extremist fighters often escalate violent operations during Ramadan because they believe dying in battle at that time carries spiritual rewards.

 

“As usual with the terrorists during the Ramadan period, for them, they feel when they die, they are going to heaven,” the minister said. “So they are ready to commit any offence or to get killed because they feel they have reward to do. But like I said, we have adjusted our strategies.”

 

His comments come at a time when Nigeria is experiencing renewed attacks from insurgent groups operating in the North-East. Security analysts say such attacks have recently targeted both military formations and civilian communities, raising fears of a resurgence in violence.

 

Despite the security challenges, the Defence Minister insisted that Nigerian troops have recently recorded notable operational successes against insurgents. According to him, security forces have eliminated several key commanders of the terrorist groups and reclaimed strategic locations previously used as operational bases.

 

“You can see in the past few days, we’ve taken over those locations, we’ve killed their commanders, we’ve taken over their assets, and we’ll continue to do more,” Musa said.

 

He also revealed that President Tinubu has approved several new measures aimed at strengthening the country’s counter-terrorism efforts, adding that the security agencies are working together to ensure improved results.

 

“I assure you, Mr. President has approved so many things that are coming on our line and we’re working together as a team,” he added.

 

Musa further emphasized that the country’s security leadership remains committed to restoring stability and protecting citizens from the activities of extremist groups.

 

“You can see all of the security forces are here to assure Nigerians and to assure Mr. President that we’re on track and we’ll succeed,” he said.

 

Thursday’s meeting was also significant because it marked the first time President Tinubu met with the nation’s service chiefs since the appointment of Tunji Disu as the new Inspector-General of Police.

 

The high-level security briefing was convened amid rising security concerns across the North-East, where insurgent groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province have continued to stage attacks on both military installations and civilian settlements.

 

Nigeria’s insurgency crisis, which began more than a decade ago, remains one of the country’s most pressing security challenges. The conflict has claimed tens of thousands of lives and forced millions of people from their homes.

 

The humanitarian impact has been particularly severe in the states of Borno State, Yobe State, and Adamawa State, where large numbers of residents have been displaced and communities devastated by repeated attacks.

 

While Nigerian security forces have over the years launched numerous military operations aimed at weakening insurgent groups, sporadic attacks continue to pose a significant threat to stability in the region.

 

Analysts say the government’s renewed focus on intelligence sharing, military coordination, and improved equipment for security agencies may play a crucial role in addressing the evolving tactics of insurgent groups.

 

For now, authorities say they remain determined to intensify efforts to contain the insurgency and prevent further attacks, particularly during sensitive periods such as Ramadan when extremist groups are believed to increase their activities.

 

The Defence Minister’s comments underscore the government’s awareness of the ideological motivations driving some extremist fighters, even as security agencies continue to pursue military and strategic measures aimed at ending the prolonged conflict.