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Tag: Christopher Gwabin Musa

  • Defence Minister Musa commissions renovated quarters for corporals in Sokoto

    Defence Minister Musa commissions renovated quarters for corporals in Sokoto

    The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (retd.) has commissioned two newly renovated and remodelled Corporal and Below Quarters at Giginya Cantonment, Sokoto State.

    The project is aimed at improving the welfare and living conditions of Nigerian Army personnel, particularly non-commissioned officers.

    Speaking at the inauguration, Musa reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to prioritising the welfare of troops, describing non-commissioned officers as the backbone of the Armed Forces.

    “These men and women deserve a living environment that reflects their daily sacrifices in their professional duties and family lives,” he said.

    He also commended the leadership of the Nigerian Army for driving infrastructure development across formations and cantonments nationwide, noting that such efforts are essential for enhancing professionalism and combat readiness.

    The newly remodelled quarters, designed for corporals and lower ranks and their families, feature modern amenities, including well-ventilated residential units intended to provide improved comfort and security.

    The upgrades are expected to ease accommodation pressures within the cantonment and improve the overall quality of life for service personnel.

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    In his vote of thanks, Commander of the 8 Division Garrison, Brigadier General Abdumalik Muhammed, expressed appreciation to the minister for his support and presence at the event.

    He described the project as a significant boost to troop welfare and a demonstration of the government’s commitment to addressing the needs of soldiers at all levels.

    The commissioning came as the Nigerian Army intensified operations against banditry and insurgency in the North-West region. Giginya Cantonment, which houses the 8 Division, plays a key role in these operations, making the welfare of its personnel a priority.

    Highlights of the ceremony included the official unveiling of the facility, a guided tour of the accommodation blocks led by the minister and senior officers, the symbolic handover of keys to beneficiaries and a group photograph to mark the occasion.

  • ILAD lauds Musa’s appointment as Defence Minister

    ILAD lauds Musa’s appointment as Defence Minister

    The Institute of Leadership Assessment and Development (ILAD), Abuja, has congratulated Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa (retrd.) on his “well-deserved appointment,” as the Minister of Defence.

    ILAD’s Director-General, Dr. Baba Ransome Adamu, in a statement, said: “We sincerely appreciate and thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for this timely and strategic appointment. At a time when Nigeria needs to put the right person in the right position, Mr. President has once again shown wisdom and commitment to strengthening our national security by choosing a competent, patriotic, and experienced leader.

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    “Gen. Musa is a proven professional with a distinguished record of service. As a former Chief of Defence Staff, he demonstrated courage, discipline, and a deep passion for the unity and safety of our nation. His leadership qualities, calm strength, and operational experience give Nigerians renewed confidence that our defence sector is in capable hands.

    “ILAD believes that his appointment will bring improved coordination, stronger military readiness, and renewed hope for lasting peace across the country.

    “We pray that God grants him wisdom, strength, and protection as he carries out this important national duty.”

  • Senate to screen Defence Minister nominee, General Musa, Wednesday

    Senate to screen Defence Minister nominee, General Musa, Wednesday

    As part of its strategic response to the country’s security challenges, the Senate has revealed that it will screen the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa as the new Minister of Defence on Wednesday. 

    Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele made the disclosure in a statement by his Directorate on Media and Public Affairs Tuesday, emphasising the significance of the exercise to ensuring internal peace and stability.  

    Musa’s nomination followed the resignation of former Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru from his position due to what he ascribed to health issues.

    Consequently, President Bola Tinubu nominated the former defence chief as the new Minister of Defence via a letter transmitted to the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio on Tuesday.

    In a statement issued on Tuesday night, Bamidele noted that the Senate “is already in possession of the request of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu to screen his defence minister nominee.”

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    He added that the letter “will be read on the floor of the Senate on Wednesday. Subsequently, the chamber will immediately proceed to the screening of the nominee pursuant to Section 147 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended)”.

    “We cannot delay such a request especially at this crucial time in the history of our fatherland. 

    “We are treating the request as a matter that directly touches the core interest of our nation so that the federal government can sustain its campaigns against bandits, extremists, terrorists and other forces undermining our national security. 

    “Since the President has declared a State of Emergency on national security, both the Presidency and National Assembly must work hand in hand to ensure peace, stability and good government. 

    “The screening of the defence minister nominee is one of the ways to demonstrate such a synergy purely in the national interest.”

  • CDS tours Plateau, assures of enhanced strategies to end attacks

    CDS tours Plateau, assures of enhanced strategies to end attacks

    THE Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has affirmed that the armed forces are re-evaluating their strategies to prevent bandit attacks on communities in Plateau State and other areas under Operation Safe Haven.

    This was revealed during his operational visit to the Headquarters of Operation Safe Haven in Jos, Plateau State, on Friday.

    According to a statement by the Director, Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, General Musa emphasised the need for adapting military tactics to address the asymmetric nature of the ongoing conflict. He appealed to local leaders to encourage their youth to identify and isolate criminal elements within and across communities to prevent widespread unrest and maintain peace.

    General Musa stated, “We must take decisive actions to halt the cycle of violence affecting Plateau and neighboring states experiencing similar challenges.”

    He called for a renewed sense of responsibility among commanders and pledged to hold accountable anyone found neglecting their duties. The CDS further promised to bolster the operational capabilities with enhanced logistical support.

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    In his remarks, Major General Eyitayo Folusho Oyinlola, Commander Operation Safe Haven and General Officer Commanding 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, highlighted the achievements of the operation despite recent setbacks.

    He expressed a commitment to sustaining these efforts to protect vulnerable communities in the region, adding that the Command has deepened the existing relationship with other security agencies to build a stronger intelligence network for effective operations.

    He reassured the CDS that Operation SAFE HAVEN will not relent until the peace process embarked upon is completed with visible evidence across the entire joint area of operation.

    Earlier, General Musa also toured the Nigerian Army Medical Centre at Tigi and Sector 6 in Jebbu Bindi, within Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State. He pledged his support to the health facility to ensure it provides efficient medical care to frontline troops and the surrounding community.

    In his visit to the Jebbu Bindi community, he urged the troops to remain vigilant and fully committed to their duties, emphasising the importance of maintaining strong community relations to safeguard peace and security.

  • Gen. Musa’s well-rounded leadership style

    Gen. Musa’s well-rounded leadership style

    Sir: Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), has emerged as a figure of resolute leadership in a period marked by profound security challenges. His tenure, though still unfolding, has been characterised by a multi-pronged approach that seeks to address the multifaceted threats facing Nigeria. While the spectre of terrorism continues to loom large, exacerbated by the insidious flow of international support to these nefarious groups, his strategic vision and operational execution have demonstrably stemmed the tide, preventing what could have been a far more catastrophic descent into chaos.  

    One of his most significant achievements lies in his nuanced approach to counter-insurgency. Recognising that military might alone cannot vanquish deeply rooted conflicts, he has prioritised the fostering of robust civil-military relations. This is not merely a matter of public relations; it is a strategic imperative. By engaging with local communities, through initiatives like the Peace and Unity Football Tournament in Jos, he is building bridges of trust and cooperation. Such initiatives are crucial in gathering vital intelligence, disrupting recruitment networks, and ultimately, undermining the support base of terrorist organisations.  

    His efforts to restructure the Nigerian Army also deserve commendation. The commissioning of the Defence Holding Company Limited, for instance, signals a commitment to modernisation and self-reliance. This is not just about acquiring advanced weaponry; it’s about building a sustainable and adaptable military capable of responding to the evolving nature of threats. His focus on strategic planning and policy formulation, evidenced by his leadership of the Defence Planning Committee, underscores a proactive approach to national security.

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    Furthermore, Gen. Musa’s emphasis on border security is critical. The porous nature of Nigeria’s borders has long been a conduit for illicit activities, including the trafficking of arms and the movement of insurgents. By strengthening border security measures, he is working to choke off the supply lines that fuel instability. This is a complex undertaking, requiring not only enhanced surveillance and patrols but also close cooperation with neighboring countries.  

    It must be acknowledged that the fight against terrorism in Nigeria is an uphill battle. The insidious flow of international support, be it financial, logistical, or ideological, provides a lifeline to these groups, enabling them to perpetuate their violence. Were it not for these external factors, one could argue that his efforts would have achieved even greater success in definitively nipping terrorism in the bud.

    However, his leadership extends beyond the battlefield. His commitment to social responsibility, demonstrated by his support for the Potter Gallery Initiative, showcases a holistic understanding of security. True and lasting peace cannot be achieved through military might alone; it requires addressing the root causes of conflict, including social inequality and marginalisation.

    While challenges remain, his tenure has been marked by a clear sense of purpose and a commitment to building a more secure and inclusive Nigeria. His strategic vision, operational acumen, and dedication to fostering civil-military relations provide a solid foundation for continued progress. His efforts in strategic planning, modernisation and humanitarian aid also show a well-rounded leader. With continued dedication and commitment from all stakeholders, Nigeria can overcome its security challenges and build a brighter future.  

    •Kennedy Elaigwu Awodi USA