JUST IN: Defence minister summons service chiefs over rising attacks

Christopher Musa, Nigeria’s minister of defence, has summoned the country’s service chiefs to an emergency meeting following recent attacks on military bases in the north-east.

The meeting is currently taking place at the headquarters of the ministry of defence Nigeria in Abuja.

Those attending include the chief of defence staff, Olufemi Oluyede, and the chief of army staff, Waidi Shaibu.

Others present are the chief of air staff, Sunday Aneke, the chief of naval staff, Idi Abass, as well as representatives of the National Intelligence Agency.

The emergency meeting follows a wave of attacks on military formations in the North-East.

Reports indicate that at least three commanding officers holding the rank of lieutenant-colonel were recently killed by terrorists in Borno State.

In addition to the slain commanding officers, several soldiers were also killed in the attacks, while hundreds of civilians reportedly abducted during the assaults remain in captivity.

Speaking briefly before the meeting went into a closed-door session, Musa said the military leadership would review its operational strategies to intensify the fight against terrorists.

“We know we have recorded some casualties but it is more on the side of terrorists,” the retired four-star general said.

Further details are expected as the meeting continues.