By Emeka Blast 
They Have Nothing To Lose;Sometimes When We Shoot Them,They Keep Coming Because They’re On Drugs-CDS Musa
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Christopher Musa made a striking statement regarding the ongoing insurgency operations, asserting that militants “have nothing to lose” and continue advancing “because they’re on drugs.” He emphasized that even when security forces engage them, these fighters remain undeterred due to drug influence .
🔍 What CDS Musa Is Highlighting
Drug use among militants: Musa claims many insurgents are heavily using narcotics. They remain highly aggressive, often continuing to fight despite being shot, due to drug-induced resilience .
Operational challenges: The statement illustrates the additional layer of difficulty for Nigerian troops—they’re facing foes who are psychologically altered, less responsive to deterrence by force, and potentially more reckless in combat.
Military concerns: This isn’t just speculation—Musa has previously acknowledged that some Nigerian soldiers are tested for drugs, and there is a rising concern about drug-related issues within the ranks, which might mirror what’s happening on the other side .
🧠Deeper Context & Implications
- Enhanced threat level: Drug-addled militants may be less fear-bound, leading to more dangerous combat scenarios and potential for high casualties on both sides.
- Tactical adjustments needed: The military might need to adapt its strategy—perhaps increasing intelligence operations, enforcing stricter rules of engagement, and focusing on capturing combatants rather than just engaging them lethally.
- Addressing drug supply: Counter-narcotics efforts may now play a strategic role. Disrupting drug supply could help demoralize and destabilize militant groups.
📊 What’s Next?
Policy response: Will the military strengthen anti-drug measures within its ranks and coordinate more closely with agencies like NDLEA?
Operational shifts: Could we see a pivot toward more arrests and detentions of militants to remove them from the battlefield and potentially subject them to rehabilitation?
Public messaging: The CDS’s comments will likely factor into broader narratives about the complexity of Nigeria’s security situation.
Bottom line: General Musa’s blunt remarks shine a light on the significant challenge posed by drug use in conflict zones—where adversaries may be hardened by narcotics, complicating conventional military tactics. This underscores why combining armed response with drug interdiction efforts is critical for success.
