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  • We must control movement of animals to end farmer-herder clashes, says CDS

    We must control movement of animals to end farmer-herder clashes, says CDS

    The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, says Nigerians must control the movement of their animals if they must end incessant clashes between farmers and herders in the country.

    He also said that farmers must stop killing animals that stray into their farms, but initiate their arrest for better compensation for the damage done to their crops.

    The CDS said this on Wednesday while answering questions from journalists during a press briefing on the forthcoming African Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit slated for August 25, in Abuja.

    He said, “We must stop killing animals. Traditionally, what we have done before is, if an animal strays into a farm, we arrest it, then the owner comes and pays a fine, and they take it back. If we do that, we will have peace.

    “But it is important that we get areas where we can keep these animals. They are better off when they are kept on a ranch.

    “If you don’t want to call it ranching, call it whatever it is, but provide an area where they don’t need to move around.

    “I want us as Nigerians to look at this so that we can deal with this issue. Because one of the big security challenges we’re having is this issue of farmer-headers.”

    The CDS emphasised that reaching has a lot of advantages for the owner of animals, hence it should be something that should be embraced without hindrances.

    “Because once they move around, they spend energy. They are smaller, and they don’t produce so much milk for you to do for them.

    “Why don’t you do that? Why don’t you ranch them? You get the best out of them. So it’s a win-win for all of us,” the CDS said.

    Read Also: NGO urges FG to review NCDs policies, empowers 400 sickle cell patients

    He condemned insinuation in some quarters that because he was advocating for ranching, he was asking the government to take people’s lands.

    He said, “Some people felt that we are encouraging the government to buy farms and ranching is a business.

    “I think anybody who is interested in ranching should also do that. Again, if state governments are interested in their regions, they should do that.

    “They can also show model ranch farms for people to do.

    “But what we’re saying is that for us to address this security situation, we must stop animals from going into farms.”

  • CDS urges soldiers to prioritise fitness for combat readiness

    CDS urges soldiers to prioritise fitness for combat readiness

    The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen Christopher Musa  has tasked military personnel to maintain fitness at all times.

    The CDS gave the charge during the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) maiden edition of monthly Route Match at the Mogadishu Cantonment, Abuja, on Friday.

    Represented by the Defence Chief of Administration, Rear Admiral David Akpan, the CDS said regular exercise is a hallmark of a professional soldier.

    He said: “When you have a military, there are very key things you expect from it, one of them is discipline. And of course, discipline has to do with also keeping fit, not only physically, but mentally. And as we know, the gain of sport is working out all aspects of your body, both the mind, the mental health, and the physical health.”

    Read Also: CDS calls for smarter strategy, stronger synergy to combat security threats

    “I walk three times a week around where I stay, and that’s the same advice I’ve given to them. You see a few people that were not able to make it during the route match, but thank God we didn’t have any fatality.

    “But it shows that those people need to up their game. So I think it’s a very good thing. I’ve encouraged them, and they sounded very happy to do that.”

    According to the CDS, maintaining regular fitness could also help a professional soldier in navigating obstacles on the battlefield.

    “I’m a professional soldier, and the training we did in our training schools, we did much physical exercise; even carrying extra load in the name of backpacks and a weapon to actually fight.

    “So the way you train in peacetime is the way you fight during war. So when you are fit, you’ll be sure that you’ll be able to actually present yourself well at the battlefront.” 

  • CDS calls for smarter strategy, stronger synergy to combat security threats

    CDS calls for smarter strategy, stronger synergy to combat security threats

    The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has emphasised the need for smarter strategic thinking and stronger synergy among Nigeria’s military forces to effectively address evolving security threats.

    Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Armed Forces Unified Strategic National Security Exercise (STRANEX 2025) in Abuja on Tuesday, Gen. Musa—represented by Chief of Defence Training, Rear Admiral Ibrahim Shettima—described the high-level simulation as a critical blueprint for operational excellence in the face of 21st-century challenges.

    Organised by the National Defence College (NDC) in collaboration with the Services War Colleges, STRANEX 2025 brings together senior military officials, international participants, and key stakeholders from various ministries and agencies to rehearse coordinated responses to complex national security scenarios.

    He said the exercise underscores the importance of joint planning, enhanced service coordination, and strategic unity of purpose in boosting the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

    He said, “Our success as a military and as a nation depends on the quality of strategic thinking, resilience of our institutions, and unity of our operational communities, whether national or international alike.

    “This is not just an academic milestone. It is a rehearsal for real-world crisis management where strategy meets pressure, and cooperation becomes survival.

    “The exercise sparked conversations on the intersection between national development and security in an increasingly volatile region.”

    Musa hailed the presence of international observers and United Nations partners, noting that their participation reflects a shared global interest in peace, stability, and strategic learning.

    The commandant of NDC, Rear Adm. James Okosun, said that the contemporary operating environment had remained volatile, uncertain, hopeless, and ambiguous, characterised by the effects of asymmetric threats that transcend national borders.

    Read Also: As CDS stands poised to lead decisive military action

    He said the exercise aimed to enhance a collaboration and interoperability mindset in advancing future strategic leaders’ understanding of how institutions are handling complex national decision-making processes.

    According to him, to effectively combat this challenge, integrated and comprehensive action is needed.

    “Accordingly, the conservative education at this level attempts to practice decision-making during a national security crisis through role play.

    “It is my humble belief that this immersive environment will equip participants with the required training needed to perform at the appropriate level during a national security crisis and in the field.

    Director, Higher Military Organisation and Operations, NDC, Brig-Gen Olumide Ojo, described STRANEX as a defence and security-related, problem-solving exercise.

    Ojo said the exercise was designed to expose participants to top-level defence decision-making, including efforts in strategy management, development, strategic estimates and reports, policy analysis and formulation, crisis management, negotiation and mediation, as well as the national security decision-making process.

    According to him, the exercise is designed at both ground, strategic, military strategy, and operational levels to aid proper understanding of the situation.

    “The overall aim is to synchronise efforts at both levels of command and staff roles in a joint environment, which is aligned with the Chief of Defence’s leadership concept, which is to nurture a professional armed forces that is people-centred, collaborating, and capable of meeting the constitutional responsibilities in a joint environment,” he said.

  • CDS urges communities to protect pipelines

    CDS urges communities to protect pipelines

    The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, has urged Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) host communities to protect national assets located within their areas.

    Musa made the appeal at a monthly stakeholders’ meeting organised by Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

    Represented by Navy Capt. Lassie Ozovehe, he said the effects of oil bunkering and pipeline vandalism were mostly borne by the host communities themselves.

    He noted that the environmental and health risks from pipeline damage affect locals more than the oil companies operating in the region.

    “These assets are on your land. You benefit from them, so you must protect them and safeguard yourselves from the hazards,” he said.

    He praised PINL for its consistent efforts in securing the assets, particularly its record of zero infractions on the Trans Niger pipelines.

    Earlier, Dr Akpos Mezeh, PINL’s Community Relations Consultant, urged host communities to collaborate in tackling security challenges in the Niger Delta.

    Mezeh said PINL had expanded its mandate to include the security of all oil and gas infrastructure in the Eastern Corridor, including gas pipelines.

    He explained that the meeting aimed to reduce pipeline vandalism and oil theft, which have major economic consequences for the country.

    He stated that PINL had seen near-zero incidents over the past month, crediting host community cooperation for the achievement.

    However, he identified ongoing issues such as poor information sharing, threats to surveillance guards, stakeholder collusion, and leadership disputes.

    A keynote speaker, Mr Otoyo Sunday, discussed the serious health effects of gas flaring in the Niger Delta region.

    He urged people to view the environment as living, warning that harmful activities have long-term consequences for people and nature.

    Sunday condemned gas flaring caused by well testing, pressure releases, and illegal refining activities.

    Mr Datolu Sokubo, Chairman of the Ijaw Youth Council, Eastern Zone, called for a balanced focus on security and human development.

    “You can’t protect pipelines without addressing people’s welfare. Without our cooperation, infrastructure is never truly secure,” he said.

    Read Also: CDS: Buhari was an exemplary leader, committed to Nigeria’s progress

    He urged the Federal Government to prioritise development, especially in education and healthcare, across the region.

    The Traditional Ruler of Ekpeye Land, Eze Kelvin Anugwu, called on oil companies to end gas flaring immediately.

    Represented by Dr Patricia Ogbonnaya, he urged PINL to raise awareness of the health and environmental concerns of the communities.

    “We keep advising our youths against bunkering. But oil firms must take responsibility for the long-term effects of their operations,” he stated.

    Other traditional leaders at the meeting requested improved welfare for surveillance workers, chiefs, and communities to maintain stability and protect oil infrastructure.

    (NAN)

  • CDS never blamed victims of Benue killings – DHQ Clarifies

    CDS never blamed victims of Benue killings – DHQ Clarifies

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has clarified that the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, never blamed the victims of the recent Benue killings as being represented in sections of the media.

    This is contained in a statement by the Director Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Gusau said that the CDS, instead, highlighted the complexities of conflict zones and the need for communities to be vigilant and cooperative with security agencies.

    This clarification comes after some media reports misrepresented General Musa’s comments, suggesting that he blamed the victims for the attacks.

    Gusau emphasised that the CDS’s remarks were aimed at encouraging communities to work with security agencies to prevent such attacks and promote peace and stability in the region.

    “The attention of the Defence Headquarters has been drawn to a news article published in a national daily, which misrepresents recent remarks made by the CDS, Gen. Musa, regarding the tragic Yelwata incident.

    “We categorically state that the interpretation and portrayal of the CDS’s comments by the National Coalition Against Mass Killings and Impunity (NCAMKI), as reported, are both misleading and taken out of context.

    “At no point did the CDS intend to blame victims or justify the heinous acts perpetrated by criminal elements in Benue State or elsewhere.

    “The CDS’s statement was aimed at drawing attention to the complex realities and challenges faced in conflict zones, particularly the tactics used by insurgent and criminal groups to infiltrate communities and exploit vulnerabilities.

    “His comments were made in good faith, within the broader context of encouraging communities to be vigilant, cooperative with security agencies, and united against those who seek to destroy peace and order,” he said.

    Gusau said it was regrettable that advocacy groups would twist the narrative and attempt to politicize an issue as sensitive as national security.

    According to him, it is on record that General Musa has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to protecting all Nigerians, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or gender.

    Read Also: CDS: Poverty, hunger fuel national security threats

    He said the CDS had continued to work tirelessly to ensure the safety of citizens, promote civil-military cooperation, and uphold the values of professionalism, compassion, and integrity in military operations.

    “We reject the insinuation that the CDS’s remarks were “reckless, insensitive or provocative.

    “Such a claim is not only untrue but also undermines the efforts of the armed forces in managing highly volatile and emotionally charged security situations across the country.

    “While we acknowledge the right of citizens and groups to express concerns, we urge stakeholders to exercise restraint, verify facts, and engage constructively, rather than issuing inflammatory statements that may exacerbate tensions or diminish public trust in our institutions.

    “The Defence Headquarters remains committed to working with all communities, civil society organisations, and government partners to ensure justice, peace, and accountability prevail across Nigeria,” he added.

    (NAN)

  • Benue killing: We’re working on Tinubu’s directive, says CDS

    Benue killing: We’re working on Tinubu’s directive, says CDS

    The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has stated that the military is acting on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to bring an end to the killings and apprehend the perpetrators of the Yelwata incident in Benue State.

    Yelwata is an agrarian community in the Guma Local Government Area of the state.

    The CDS said this during his interaction with media executives at the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) in Abuja, on Thursday.

    The meeting was part of efforts to update the media on the service chiefs’ achievements and progress since their appointment two years ago.

    President Tinubu has ordered the military and security agencies to track down the perpetrators of the deadly attack in Benue, which resulted in over 100 fatalities, during his condolence visit to the state, on Wednesday.

    In a direct charge to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and Chief of Defence Staff, the President demanded swift justice and stronger intelligence operations in Benue State.

    Speaking to media executives, General Musa said that the military is working on the President’s directive, assuring that peace would soon return to the state.

    He said: “Yes, Mr president gave us a directive. We are working on it.”

    On the interaction with the media executives, the CDS emphasized the media’s crucial role in combating terrorism and insurgency. 

    Gen. Musa noted that the media is a powerful force in shaping public perception and morale.

    He highlighted the importance of a collaborative approach, stating, “In today’s battles, we are not only engaged in physical combat but also fighting a war for the hearts and minds of the people.”

    The CDS sought a professional and objective partnership with the media, acknowledging the significant impact of media reports on military operations.

    He added, “The media is not just a supporting actor but a central player in shaping narratives that influence public sentiment, national unity, and peacebuilding.”

    The CDS said the parley aimed to foster direct interaction with media executives from across the country. 

    “We believe that truth and trust are the cornerstones of national resilience,” the CDS said.

    “In today’s battles, particularly against terrorism and insurgency, we are not only engaged in physical combat but also fighting a war for the hearts and minds of the people. 

    “In this non-kinetic theatre, the media is a powerful force. The battle for perception, which entails controlling the narrative and countering misinformation and disinformation, is essential to strategic success,”.

    He reiterated how the media reports on military operations have a significant impact on public perception and morale, both locally and internationally. 

    Read Also: Media powerful force in insurgency fight – CDS

    “That is why we seek a professional, objective and nation-oriented partnership with the media,” he said.

    Gen. Musa reaffirmed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remains unwavering in its mission to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our country. 

    “While kinetic operations are ongoing across all theatres, we have also come to fully appreciate the importance of non-kinetic strategies, which now constitute over 70 per cent of the efforts required in modern asymmetric warfare.

    “In this context, the media is not just a supporting actor but a central player. Nigerians are deeply interested in understanding their security situation and future prospects; hence, the narratives you shape as media professionals will significantly influence public sentiment, national unity and peacebuilding.”

  • Media powerful force in insurgency fight – CDS

    Media powerful force in insurgency fight – CDS

    The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has emphasised the media’s crucial role in combating terrorism and insurgency.

    Speaking at the “CDS Expanded Chat with Media Executives” in Abuja on Thursday, Gen. Musa noted that the media is a powerful force in shaping public perception and morale.

    He highlighted the importance of a collaborative approach, stating, “In today’s battles, we are not only engaged in physical combat but also fighting a war for the hearts and minds of the people.”

    The CDS sought a professional and objective partnership with the media, acknowledging the significant impact of media reports on military operations.

    He added, “The media is not just a supporting actor but a central player in shaping narratives that influence public sentiment, national unity, and peacebuilding.”

    The CDS said the parley aimed to foster direct interaction with media executives from across the country.

    “We believe that truth and trust are the cornerstones of national resilience,” the CDS said.

    “In today’s battles, particularly against terrorism and insurgency, we are not only engaged in physical combat but also fighting a war for the hearts and minds of the people.

    “In this non-kinetic theatre, the media is a powerful force. The perception battle, which entails controlling the narrative and countering misinformation and disinformation, is essential to strategic success.”

    He reiterated how the media reports on military operations have a significant impact on public perception and morale, both locally and internationally.

    Read Also: CDS to Nigerians: stop perceiving military as brute, occupying force

    “That is why we seek a professional, objective and nation-oriented partnership with the media,” he said.

    Gen. Musa reaffirmed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain unwavering in their mission to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our country.

    “While kinetic operations are ongoing across all theatres, we have also come to fully appreciate the importance of non-kinetic strategies, which now constitute over 70 per cent of the efforts required in modern asymmetric warfare.

    “In this context, the media is not just a supporting actor but a central player. Nigerians are deeply interested in understanding their security situation and prospects; hence, the narratives you shape as media professionals will significantly influence public sentiment, national unity and peace building.”

  • CDS to Nigerians: stop perceiving military as brute, occupying force

    CDS to Nigerians: stop perceiving military as brute, occupying force

    The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has urged Nigerians to see the military as a partner in progress, rather than an occupying force alien to the people it serves and protects.

    The CDS said this when he spoke at the Maiden Defence Headquarters (DHQ) Civil-Military Relation Conference, in Abuja, on Thursday.

    The conference was themed: “Winning Hearts and Minds: Non-Kinetic Approaches to National Security.”

    According to Gen. Musa, historically the relationship between the military and the civilian population has, at times, been characterized by suspicion, fear, and mistrust.

    “This unfortunate legacy has often hampered our ability to effectively work together, particularly in times of crisis or national emergency,” he said.

    “The military has been seen not as a partner in progress, but as an occupying force, alien to the people it is meant to serve and protect.”

    The CDS noted that despite this perception, concerted efforts are needed from both the military and the broader society to change it.

    He said: “The reality is that the Armed Forces of Nigeria are a constitutionally established institution, deeply rooted in democratic principles and accountable to the Nigerian people.

    “This Conference, therefore, is not a one-off event but a strategic initiative, conceptualized to become an annual platform for honest engagement, thoughtful reflection, and practical collaboration. 

    “The overarching goal is to “win hearts and minds”, and shift from a purely kinetic, force-based approach to one that prioritizes trust-building, respect for human rights, and community partnership. Our theme, “Winning Hearts and Minds: Non-Kinetic Approaches to National Security”, encapsulates this new direction. 

    Read Also: CDS advocates fencing of borders to curb insurgency

    “It challenges us to think beyond weapons and warfare. It calls us to invest in human security, to build resilient communities, and to reinforce the idea that every Nigerian, whether in uniform or not, has a stake in the peace and prosperity of our great nation.

    “Your presence here today reinforces the idea that security is not the exclusive preserve of the armed forces, but a shared national responsibility. A responsibility that requires open dialogue, mutual trust, and active collaboration between military and civilian actors.”

    Earlier, Chief of Civil-Military Relations at the Defence Headquarters, Rear Admiral Olusanya Bankole, said the event marked a significant milestone in the military’s ongoing commitment towards a “people-centric” concepts championed by the Chief of Defence Staff.

    “This conference has been convened to help change negative narratives about the Nigerian Armed Forces. It is an avenue to advance non-kinetic strategies and tools of peace, dialogue, outreach, and engagements that will restore trust and rebuild the vital bridge between the military and the civilians we are sworn to serve,” Rear Admiral Bankole said. 

  • CDS: New theater changes will bolster operational posture against terrorists

    CDS: New theater changes will bolster operational posture against terrorists

    The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has assured that the recent changes being implemented by the military leadership would bolster Armed Forces operational posture against hostile actors.

    General Musa gave the assurance on Wednesday when he addressed participants of the maiden Defence Headquarters Workshop on Psychological Operations, Abuja.

    A three-day workshop themed “Optimizing Psychological Operations for Efficiency in a Joint Environment” aimed to enhance collaboration among security stakeholders and refine strategies for influencing operations in combating insecurity.

    The Defence Chief said the military were “more determined than ever to go after all non-state actors threatening our national peace.”

    He emphasized the timeliness of the workshop, and noted that modern warfare demands more than conventional strategies. 

    General Musa noted that the asymmetric threats posed by insurgents, terrorists, and other non-state actors cannot be defeated by force alone. 

    Read Also: CDS commend troops on operational achievements in North-west

    He said: “The evolving nature of threats to national security necessitates a multidimensional approach that includes influencing perceptions, attitudes, and behaviours.

    “The workshop aims to harness psychological tools to complement ongoing kinetic operations and enhance the AFN’s effectiveness in restoring peace and stability across Nigeria.

    “Kinetic operations have continued to deny insurgents freedom of action, but we must also deploy non-kinetic strategies such as psychological operations to shape the information environment in our favour.”

    The CDS noted that the Defence Headquarters, under his leadership concept of building a “people-centric and collaborative armed forces,” was committed to developing innovative, joint strategies that align with the constitutional roles of the military.

    While expressing confidence that participants at the workshop would benefit greatly from the robust engagements and insights, the CDS urged them to participate actively and contribute meaningfully to the success of the event.

    He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support to the military, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru, for their commitment to national security.

  • CDS commend troops on operational achievements in North-west

    CDS commend troops on operational achievements in North-west

    The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has commended troops of Operation FASAN YAMMA for their brave commitment and dedication in combating security challenges in the North-west region.

    Musa made the commendation on Tuesday during a strategic Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) interactives at 8 Division of the Nigerian Army, Sokoto.

    Represented by Rear Admiral Olusanya Bankole, Musa warned the troops  against indiscipline and complacency in their activities.

    He urged them to remain vigilant and committed to civil-military cooperation at all levels, stressing the need to abide by stipulated regulations at all times.

    Musa further commended them on the operational achievements recorded by the Division under Operation FASAN YAMMA and expressed satisfaction over consistent weekly reports to the Headquarters.

    “The battle is a just one, don’t sleep, because your enemies are not sleeping.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Tinubu meets NSA, CDS over insecurity

    ” The 8 Division keeps coming up for praise. You deserve commendation and encouragement, your GOC and every officer under Operation FASAN YAMMA deserve accolades for job well done,” he said.

    The CDS emphasised the need for unity among security services, a strong synergy and bond with host communities.

    He stressed that victory in the fight against insurgency and banditry depends on both firepower and the trust of civilians.

    “Let people run to you, not away from you. The best intelligence comes from the civilians you protect,” he added.

    Speaking also, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division, Maj. Gen. Ibikunle Ajose, expressed gratitude over the recognition which had affirmed the Division’s people-focused strategy.

    “The CDS leadership philosophy reminds us that real success in asymmetric warfare lies not only in tactical gains, but in winning the hearts and minds of our people,” Ajose said.

    Ajose reiterated the moral weight of their mission as protectors of the vulnerable must go along with empathy, discipline and justice.

    He highlighted that the present engagement strengthens our collective resolve, enhance military operations and other activities.

    ” We are not from the sky. We have children, siblings, relatives, and we pray that all of you return home safely, not in coffins.

    “Nigeria remains one. The bandits will not win. And our Armed Forces will not sleep,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the activity featured a sensitisation lecture on human rights, gender-based violence, and military ethics aimed at deepening professionalism and discipline within the ranks.

    Other activities included medical outreach, sporting competitions, and media engagements to bolster ties between troops and host communities.

    (NAN)