Tag: CDS Musa

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Armed Forces to collaborate closely with traditional rulers in restoring peace and stability in Benue State and beyond.

Speaking after a closed-door meeting with top traditional leaders at the Government House in Makurdi on Thursday, General Musa noted that sustainable peace cannot be achieved through military action alone without grassroots support and community involvement.

The high-level engagement brought together key monarchs including the Tor Tiv, His Royal Majesty Professor James Ortese Ayatse, and the Och’Idoma, His Royal Majesty Dr. John Eliagwu, alongside other first and third-class chiefs from across the state.

General Musa described the meeting as a vital step toward building unity, trust, and sincerity among all stakeholders. 

He emphasized that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to ending the cycle of violence in Benue and other conflict-prone areas.

Issuing a strong directive to troops stationed in the state, the Defence Chief urged them to decisively confront all criminal elements threatening peace—whether internal or external. 

Read Also: CDS Musa calls for border fencing to curb terrorism, transborder crimes

He stressed that the military’s presence is not for observation, but for action against bandits and other armed threats.

Highlighting progress, General Musa cited the safe return of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to areas like Yelewata as a key benchmark for success, assuring residents that the area is now secure with increased troop deployment.

In separate remarks, traditional rulers backed the military’s renewed efforts. The Tor Tiv, Professor Ayatse, warned that criminals must face justice, urging security agencies to act without fear or favoritism.

Echoing similar sentiments, the Och’Idoma, Dr. Eliagwu, reiterated Benue’s status as a peace-loving state and called on armed herdsmen to vacate the region. 

He maintained that only law-abiding herders should be allowed to remain, to enable farmers return to their lands ahead of the planting season.

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to promoting peace and stability in West Africa and the entire African continent.

Musa said this when he received a delegation from the Alliance of Sahelian States (ASS), a coalition formed by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger following their withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Since gaining independence, Nigeria has consistently provided support to African countries during times of conflict, demonstrating its dedication to regional security and cooperation.

Gen. Musa said despite political differences, countries in the West African subregion must stand united to fight the menace of terrorism and other transborder crimes.

He also called for a concerted effort to disrupt illegal mining, which he identified as a major source of funding for terrorists and other non-state actors.

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“We must stop them from accessing funds. We need to prevent foreign partners from supporting them. This is crucial in our fight against terrorism,” the CDS said

Gen. Musa who is also the Chairman of West African Defence Chiefs announced plans to visit Mali and Burkina Faso soon, saying that Nigeria has no intention of waging war against the two nations.

The CDS stressed that Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso have historical and cultural ties.

He said: “I visited Niger last year and was warmly received. I look forward to visiting Mali and Burkina Faso as well. We must remain united.

“If you look at our way of life—whether in Nigeria, Mali, or Niger—we are one and the same. The only difference is the borders drawn during colonial times. Our culture, attitudes, and behaviors are similar. This meeting is a testament to the fact that we are not enemies but brothers and sisters.”

Gen. Musa noted that the meeting would not have been possible if their military leaders had not permitted it.

He said: “Of course, the delegation would not have been here if they didn’t have the support of their commanders. So they understand that peace is more important than war.

“It gladdens my heart to have people from the ASS countries here. It shows how important it is for us to work together. It is only by working together that we can defeat these enemies of peace. These individuals have no respect for life, borders, or human rights. All they seek is destruction, especially within the Sahel region.

“Over time, Nigeria has remained a peaceful country and has always meant well for its neighbors. There have been attempts to portray us as enemies, but we will never be enemies. Our presence here today is proof that we are brothers and sisters. We will not wage war against each other.

“To our brothers from Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali—we are one family. Do not let anyone tell you otherwise. Since independence, Nigeria has always stepped in to assist African nations in times of crisis.

“During apartheid, we welcomed South Africans here. When Liberia was in turmoil, Charles Taylor found refuge in Nigeria. Even now, the former president of Sierra Leone is here. Nigeria has always been a peaceful nation, and we intend to remain that way.”

Earlier in his remarks, the leader of the delegation, Hon. Aliyu Gebi, called for collaboration to keep African countries safer.

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to promoting peace and stability in West Africa and the entire African continent. 

Musa said this when he received a delegation from the Alliance of Sahelian States (ASS), a coalition formed by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger following their withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).  

Since gaining independence, Nigeria has consistently provided support to African countries during times of conflict, demonstrating its dedication to regional security and cooperation.

Gen. Musa said despite political differences countries in the West African subregion must stand united to fight the menace of terrorism and other transborder crimes.

He also called for a concerted effort to disrupt illegal mining, which he identified as a major source of funding for terrorists and other non-state actors.  

“We must stop them from accessing funds. We need to prevent foreign partners from supporting them. This is crucial in our fight against terrorism,” the CDS said

Gen. Musa who is also the Chairman of West African Defence Chiefs announced plans to visit Mali and Burkina Faso soon, saying that Nigeria has no intention of waging war against the two nations.  

The CDS stressed that Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso have historical and cultural ties. 

He said: “I visited Niger last year and was warmly received. I look forward to visiting Mali and Burkina Faso as well. We must remain united.

“If you look at our way of life—whether in Nigeria, Mali, or Niger—we are one and the same. The only difference is the borders drawn during colonial times. Our culture, attitudes, and behaviors are similar. This meeting is a testament to the fact that we are not enemies but brothers and sisters.”

Gen. Musa noted that the meeting would not have been possible if their military leaders had not permitted it. 

Read Also: N/Delta group lauds CDS’s commitment in fight against insurgents, others 

He said: “Of course, the delegation would not have been here if they didn’t have the support of their commanders. So they understand that they understand that peace is more important than war.

“It gladdens my heart to have people from the ASS countries here. It shows how important it is for us to work together. It is only by working together that we can defeat these enemies of peace. These individuals have no respect for life, borders, or human rights. All they seek is destruction, especially within the Sahel region.

“Over time, Nigeria has remained a peaceful country and has always meant well for its neighbors. There have been attempts to portray us as enemies, but we will never be enemies. Our presence here today is proof that we are brothers and sisters. We will not wage war against each other.

“To our brothers from Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali—we are one family. Do not let anyone tell you otherwise. Since independence, Nigeria has always stepped in to assist African nations in times of crisis. 

“During apartheid, we welcomed South Africans here. When Liberia was in turmoil, Charles Taylor found refuge in Nigeria. Even now, the former president of Sierra Leone is here. Nigeria has always been a peaceful nation, and we intend to remain that way.”

Earlier in his remarks, the leader of the delegation, Hon. Aliyu Gebi, called for collaboration to keep Africa countries safer. 

Gebi said the team was in Nigeria to study how to integrate kinetic and non-kinetic operations to win peace. 

He said: “We are safer and stronger when we work together. what happens in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso resonates in Nigeria. 

“I commend the Nigerian military for winning the war against insurgents, but we need to harmonise strategies towards winning peace.”

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has fired back at the Canadian High Commission which denied him and some top military brass visas to travel for the Invictus games last week.

He said Nigeria will not accommodate any form of disrespect from any country against its citizens.

The CDS spoke after he received, at the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), Abuja, the wounded soldiers that participated in the event at Vancouver, Canada. 

Gen. Musa said that Nigerians were being treated unfairly by some countries.

The Nation recalled that the Chief of Defence Staff and some top military brass, who bid to attend the Invictus games last week were denied visa by the Canadian High Commission in Nigeria. 

The action was, however, condemned by the federal government.

Speaking further, the CDS also dismissed insinuations from some quarters that members of the armed forces were not invited to Vancouver, Canada to participate in Invictus games initiated by Duke of Sussex.

Giving an insight into what transpired during the preparation for the programme, Musa said they followed all the due process and that every concerned government officials including Ministers and NSA were aware.

Read Also: Court declines Anyanwu’s request to stop INEC from dealing with PDP without him

He said: “On the issue of the denial of the visa, it must be tackled at all abroad. Nigeria is good enough for all of us. We had an agreement, we were invited, the programme was sent to us, we followed our requirements, we followed the process.

“Everybody knows members of the Armed Forces, we will never take shortcuts. The Foreign Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of State, the NSA, everybody is aware about this journey, and we followed the process.

“But for reasons best known to them, most of the members of the team were denied visas. You remember, the team captain did not go. The medical doctor was not there. The physiotherapist did not go. All those that were important for the team were not given visas. And the question is why?

“Well, I’m happy that the federal government is also looking at those aspects. I think it’s important for people to understand that we deserve respect as Nigerians all over the world. We must never accommodate disrespect from anybody because we are a good country.

“For our Indigenous guests participating, you have made Nigeria proud. Your courage and determination have left an indelible mark on the hearts of all who have witnessed your journey. You are true embodiment of the Indigenous spirit, unconquered, unbroken, and unstoppable.”

Gen assured that some of the military officers who have their legs and hands amputated or have other deformation, won’t be abandoned as some people want it to be.

He said: “As we celebrate the achievements of our team, let us also remember the sacrifices made by all of our ex-service members in line with their duties.

“Let us continue to honour the sacrifices provided to support the country by committing resources to ensure their well-being for their successful re-integration into civilian life.

“For me, as the Chief of the Defense Staff, this is a clarion call, that whatever it takes to raise the morale of our troops, we will do it, whatever the cost is, because we know, once the troops see what we are doing with those that are injured, they will want to do their best because they know if anything happens to them, they will want to do their best.

“I’ve had comments from individuals across, mostly from the views of ignorance in the aspect that, why are we taking troops out? And I wonder, if you see those that have sacrificed so much, if you see those that have died, if you see those ones that have amputated legs, hands, and somebody thinks it is not important or it is not good for us, to look after them.

“Those other countries that sent their own were not doing it just because they wanted to do it but because they knew the importance. So, sometimes when we go to school, we should read deep and allow schools to also pass through us.”

A total of 129,417 Boko Haram terrorists and their family members surrendered to troops between July 10 to December 9, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa has said.

Musa made this disclosure while delivering a keynote lecture titled “The Nexus between Citizen’s Socio-economic Development and National Defence” at the ongoing Africa Security Watch awards and conference in Doha, Qatar.

Giving a breakdown of the figures, Musa said 30,426 were fighters, 36,774 women and 62,265 children.

He said the country was making progress towards an increasingly peaceful society that promotes socio-economic development.

The CDS attributed the surge in terrorist surrenders to the effective integration of kinetic and non-kinetic approaches by the armed forces, which according to him, has stabilised communities and created an environment conducive to socio-economic progress.

“The increasingly frequent surrenders signify the fruitful impact of our comprehensive approach. We have made significant progress in fostering a peaceful society that guarantees improved socio-economic conditions for our citizens. While challenges remain, we are not where we were as of June 2023,” he said.

The military general said the Armed Forces of Nigeria has contributed to boosting daily oil production, reducing attacks on vulnerable communities and enhancing stability through innovative operational strategies.

These achievements, he explained, stemmed from a recalibration of tactics, techniques, and procedures that ensure both kinetic operations and people-centred initiatives work in tandem.

Coordinator, National Counter-Terrorism Centre, 

Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, provided an overview of Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts in his presentation, “The Trajectory of counter-terrorism fight: The Nigerian experience” revealing that the prosecution of terrorists has advanced, with five phases of trials yielding 505 convictions, while the sixth phase is currently underway.

Laka’s lecture which was delivered by former Army spokesman, Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman (rtd), described the country’s journey as one of resilience, adaptation, and significant progress amidst persistent challenges.

Speaking on “leadership as an agent of positive change in security”, former Chief of the Naval Staff (CDS), Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (rtd), emphasised the critical role of purposeful and compassionate leadership.

“A leader driven by a genuine sense of purpose fosters trust and inspires personnel to see the broader impact of their daily actions on peace and security,” he said. 

As CNS, Gambo said his tenure focused on personnel welfare and collective strength which yielded transformative results in naval operations and contributed significantly to national security.