The Arewa Concerned Citizens Forum (ACCF) said the recent commendation by former Chief of Army Staff and respected elder statesman, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai (rtd), validates the military’s renewed vigour under the current Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher  Musa.

A statement co-signed by Alhaji Bello Usman Abubakar, co-convener of the ACCF and Barrister Ibrahim Kolo, the general secretary of ACCF, described Buratai’s statement as “a validation of what millions of patriotic Nigerians already feel—that under General Musa, the Nigerian military is more focused, more coordinated, and more determined to win the war against terror.”

He added that Buratai’s voice carries weight not only in military circles but across the northern region, and his endorsement is a source of confidence for citizens and troops alike.

According to the ACCF, the significance of Buratai’s commendation cannot be overstated.

“As a former military leader who served at the peak of Nigeria’s battle against insurgency, Buratai understands the complexities of modern warfare and counterterrorism. His appreciation of General Musa’s strategy and the Tinubu administration’s commitment to security sends a clear message: Nigeria is on the right path in its war against terrorism and violent extremism,” it said.

The forum added “Under the leadership of General Musa, the Nigerian Armed Forces have demonstrated a marked improvement in intelligence-led operations, coordinated joint-task force missions, and cross-border surveillance. The neutralization of terrorist figures like Alku and Halilu Sububu reinforces the belief that the military is regaining initiative and dismantling entrenched criminal networks across the North West and North East,”.

The ACCF emphasised that the support of a figure like Buratai further strengthens public trust in the military’s leadership and reaffirms the North’s appreciation of effective security strategies. For a region that has borne the brunt of terrorism, banditry, and insurgency, visible progress under General Musa’s command is not only reassuring but a morale booster.

In a statement released by the TY Buratai Humanity Care Foundation, the former army chief lauded the administration of President Tinubu and the top military hierarchy, including CDS General Musa and COAS Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, for the successful elimination of Alhaji Shaudo Alku, a feared lieutenant of terrorist kingpin Bello Turji.

The operation, part of the broader Operation Fansan Yamma, saw precise airstrikes on May 18 near Tunfa Primary School in Isa local government area, resulting in the deaths of Alku and several other terrorist elements.

“This public show of support, coming from a seasoned military strategist and former COAS, speaks volumes about the competence, dedication, and results being delivered by Nigeria’s security architecture under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.

The duo praised General Musa’s leadership style as “inclusive, intelligent, and highly operational.”

“It takes a military professional of General Musa’s caliber to translate presidential security directives into real, measurable victories on the battlefield. Buratai, having walked that path, sees the same brilliance in Musa’s command.”

The Forum also praised the synergy between the Ministry of Defence, the Nigerian Air Force, and Operation Fansan Yamma’s theatre command, describing their unity and precision as evidence of renewed professionalism and patriotism in the armed forces.

The results being achieved under the Tinubu-led government, the Forum said, prove that the President is not paying lip service to security, but is investing in results-driven leadership and strategies.

Furthermore, the ACCF called on all Nigerians—especially critics and political actors—to acknowledge the ongoing progress and support the military with encouragement, rather than unwarranted criticism. Security, the Forum emphasized, is a collective national responsibility, and the successes recorded so far should be amplified to build public confidence.