The Nation Newspaper

Tag: christopher musa

  • Group commends CDS Musa, Military’s decisive action against Lakuruwa sect

    Group commends CDS Musa, Military’s decisive action against Lakuruwa sect

    The Northern Development Agenda (NDA) has commended the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and the Nigerian military for their decisive action against the Lakuruwa sect.

    According to the group’s secretary general, Dr. Sani Mohammed, General Musa’s strategic deployment of a Special Operations Brigade to Sokoto and Kebbi States has yielded unprecedented successes in the fight against the sect.

    The group praised General Musa’s commitment to protecting the lives and properties of innocent citizens, describing it as proof of his exceptional leadership and dedication to the nation.

    Mohammed said the troops, under General Musa’s guidance, have demonstrated remarkable professionalism, adhering to the rules of engagement while ensuring the protection of civilians.

    He noted that their selfless service and bravery have led to the neutralisation of several terrorists and the recovery of significant arms and ammunition.

    The Northern Development Agenda urged General Musa and the military to continue their excellent work, recognising that the fight against insecurity is a continuous one.

    The group also called on all Nigerians to support the military in their efforts to restore peace and security in the region.

    “We commend the visionary leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and the bravery of the Nigerian military in their relentless pursuit of peace and security in the region,” the statement said. 

    “General Musa’s strategic deployment of a Special Operations Brigade to Sokoto and Kebbi States has been a masterstroke, yielding unprecedented successes in the fight against the Lakurawa sect. 

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    “The troops, under General Musa’s guidance, have demonstrated remarkable professionalism, adhering to the rules of engagement while ensuring the protection of civilians. Their selfless service and bravery have led to the neutralisation of several terrorists and the recovery of significant arms and ammunition.

    “The Northern Development Agenda applauds General Musa’s leadership and the troops’ bravery, and we urge them to continue their excellent work. We recognise that the fight against insecurity is a continuous one, and we encourage General Musa and the military to remain vigilant and focused on their mission.

    “We also call on all Nigerians to support our military in their efforts to restore peace and security in the region. The fight against insecurity is a collective responsibility, and we must all play our part in supporting our military and promoting peace and stability in our communities.

    “Once again, we commend General Musa and the Nigerian military for their outstanding service to the nation. We are confident that with their continued efforts, we will soon witness a significant improvement in the security situation in the region.”

  • CDS Musa assures troops of sustained welfare

    CDS Musa assures troops of sustained welfare

    The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has assured troops in various theatres of operation that the military high command will continue to prioritise their welfare.

    He said the current national leadership and that of the military acknowledged the troops’ sacrifices to keep the country save and secured.

    Musa said this yesterday in Abuja while launching the “Tribute To Our Troops” in commemoration of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day and Celebration 2025.

    Represented by the Director of Civil-Military Relation at the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), Air Vice Marshal Anthony Epe, the CDS said the event was a testament to the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in fostering unity, showcasing resilience, and celebrating the valour of servicemen and women who had dedicated their lives to safeguarding our country.

    He said: The third edition of ‘Tribute to our Troops’ is not just an event but a movement that combines the power of music, culture, and philanthropy to honour the selfless sacrifices and bravery of the armed men and women of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, while offering a unique platform to connect the military with the civilian population, emphasising the importance of mutual understanding and collaboration for the progress of our great nation.

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    “It also highlights the cultural richness and unity that defines us as Nigerians, serving as a beacon of hope and patriotism.

    “We are confident that this third edition of ‘Tribute To Our Troops’ will inspire a deeper sense of national pride and solidarity among Nigerians. We urge you, gentlemen of the press, our esteemed partners in nation-building, to amplify this message of appreciation of our troops and their roles in ensuring peace and stability of our nation.

    “This year’s edition is proudly endorsed by me and supported by the Nigerian Army Headquarters, the Naval Headquarters, and the Nigerian Air Force. This reflects the enduring spirit of teamwork within our Armed Forces.”

    The Founder of “Tributes To Our Troops”, Princess Olivia Ava Adom, was confident that this year’s edition would inspire and engage Nigerians through new and exciting features.

  • No foreign military base in Nigeria – CDS

    No foreign military base in Nigeria – CDS

    The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has dismissed the reports alleging that permission had been granted to France to establish an expeditionary military base in Nigeria.

    Musa faulted the insinuation that the recent visit of President Bola Tinubu to France where a lot of bilateral agreements were signed included allowing foreign military bases in Nigeria.

    He gave the clarification on Friday during the unveiling of the Armed Forces of Nigeria 2025 Tattoo Logo at the Defence Headquarters Abuja.

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    According to him, no foreign body will establish any foreign military base in Nigeria, not in the north, not in the south, not anywhere.

    “Mr President has said it should be very clear. Whatever he was signing is a bilateral agreement on trade, on culture, on tradition, on cooperation, on economy.

    “Nothing like that. Mr President knows the implication. He knows that he must protect Nigeria and he will never allow any foreign body.

    “We will continue to partner together bilaterally because we do training together and we will consistently send our officers which is a normal thing but having foreign military base in Nigeria is not part of Mr President’s plan.

    “So I want to trust this as an opportunity to make that clarification,” he said.

    The defence chief reiterated the commitment of the armed forces to peace and security of Nigeria, Africa, and globally, through various initiatives and strategies. (NAN) 

  • Musa hails ACF on empowerment  of injured soldiers

    Musa hails ACF on empowerment  of injured soldiers

    The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has commended the African Unconquered Foundation (ACF) for its impactful initiative to rehabilitate injured and wounded soldiers through sports, training, and empowerment programs.

    Represented by Air Vice Marshal Kenneth Kumzhi at a Para-volleyball exhibition, General Musa emphasized the importance of raising awareness among African nations about the opportunities available for injured soldiers. He highlighted how programs like the Invictus Games and other empowerment initiatives can transform the lives of wounded soldiers, offering them a path to recovery, reintegration, and fulfilment through sports and skill development.

    Speaking at the event,”This exhibition opens a new vista for our athletes to engage physically, emotionally, and psychologically. When you look at them, you notice their happiness in doing this. This should inspire other African nations to embrace the Invictus Games as an avenue to help injured or wounded soldiers recover and reintegrate into normal activities.”

    Derrick Cobbinah, CEO and co-founder of ACF, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the foundation’s commitment to replicating its success across Africa.

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     “We are proud to showcase what the African Unconquered Foundation is doing in Nigeria. This is an opportunity for other African nations to see how sports, training, and empowerment programs can aid the recovery of injured soldiers.”

    Coach Chris Agoawuike, who has been working closely with the team, praised the foundation’s support in preparing the athletes for the games.

    “With the backing of the African Unconquered Foundation, we’ve had the best preparation yet, and I am optimistic that Nigeria will perform better than ever at this year’s games.”

    The Invictus Games offer a platform not just for competition but for healing and empowerment, showcasing the resilience and strength of those who have served.

  • We are progressively winning war  against terrorism, CDS assures Nigerians

    We are progressively winning war  against terrorism, CDS assures Nigerians

    The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen Christopher Musa, has appealed to Nigerians to stand together with the military and other security agencies to combat terrorism and other criminality.

    General Musa emphasized that the country may not be where it ought to be at the moment, but it is progressively heading towards its desired destination.

    The CDS said this while delivering a keynote address at the Security and Emergency Management Award 2024, 6th edition, which was held yesterday at Defence Headquarters (DHQ), Abuja. 

    He said: “The armed forces and other security agencies need the support of the public who are everywhere.The threats we face as a country are multifaceted, ranging from terrorism and insurgency to socioeconomic issues and community unrest. 

    “Arising from these complex dynamic, it has become increasingly evidence that no single institution can solve these issues in isolation, no one can do it alone, we must collaborate together as Nigerians.

    “The threats we are facing are not peculiar to Nigeria alone but the whole of humanity is being threatened.

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    “Therefore, we must all stand together and say no to act of banditry, kidnapping and terrorism.

    “For us in the armed forces we must remain impartial and accountable always. 

    “We want to assure Nigerians that the armed forces of Nigeria are for Nigerians, we are here to protect democracy.”

    The CDS who was also honoured in the award of excellence category, assured that the military will continue to refine its humanitarian responses to bolster its capability and provide early assistance to affected communities across Nigeria. 

    He said that the award ceremony provides a unique platform for various stakeholders including the representatives of the armed forces, civil society organizations, academia, media and the private sector to engage on how best to achieve sustainable national security and emergency management through civil military collaboration. 

    He said that the 2024 edition came at a time when the armed forces are making deliberate efforts towards deepening civil-military collaboration to enhance national security.

  • Arewa condemns call for suspension of army chief

    Arewa condemns call for suspension of army chief

    The leadership of Arewa Youth Assembly for Good Leadership (AYAGL) has described as “unpatriotic” the call by the Arewa Economic Forum and Arewa Youth Consultative Forum for the suspension of Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa and other appointees in the security architecture.

    In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Amb Abdul Danbature, the youths noted that the call was in bad faith, stating that the group calling for the suspension are sponsored by agents of darkness to denigrate the effort of  the Nigerian Armed Forces, knowing that they have been working round the clock to restore sanity to the country.

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    He said: “They are paid agents and their views on national matters cannot be taken seriously. The Armed forces under the leadership of General Musa, has been tackling security challenges in the country. Notorious criminals and armed bandits have been arrested all over. Calling for their sack or suspension is needless, unpatriotic and  not necessary”.

  • JUST IN: Chief of Defence Staff not dead – DHQ

    JUST IN: Chief of Defence Staff not dead – DHQ

    The Defence Headquarters has refuted a viral report that the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa is dead.

    Musa was appointed by President Bola Tinubu as the Chief of Defence Staff on June 19, 2023.

    He is a member of the 38th Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy and was commissioned on 21 September 1991 into the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps.

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    Musa holds a Master’s in Defence Studies from the National Defence University in Beijing, China.

    A report by a newspaper (not The Nation) had claimed the Defence Chief had passed away.

    The DHQ in a post on X on Tuesday, November 21, said: “Contrary to recent false publication, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, is alive and well.

    “Please rely on credible sources for accurate information.”

  • CDS feats in 100 days remarkable, says CSO

    CDS feats in 100 days remarkable, says CSO

    A civil-society organisation under the auspices of Better Nigeria Movement (BNM) has described the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, as a capable hand that would take the Armed Forces  to greater heights.

    The group said Gen. Musa has, within the past 100 days  of his assumption  demonstrated exemplary leadership and dedication to the security and stability of our country.

    The National Coordinator of BNM, Oluwapelumi Olayemi Esan, in a statement yesterday in Abuja, said the CDS has achieved tremendous feats within the past 100 days he assumed office.

    Esan said: “Since his appointment on June 23, 2023, Gen.  Musa has demonstrated a high level of professionalism and competence in the discharge of his duties. He has given operational directives to the Nigeria Armed Forces through the service chiefs and reported to the commander-in-chief with administrative supervision of the Minister of Defence.

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    “Since he assumed office, the Nigerian military has recorded significant achievements in the fight against various security threats facing the country.

    stakeholders to address the root causes of the agitation.

    “The reduction of the impact of bandits and Boko Haram, who have been terrorizing the northwest and northeast regions respectively. General CG Musa’s leadership has deployed more troops and equipment to these areas and intensified intelligence gathering and collaboration with other security agencies.”

    Esan said the CDS  efforts in mitigating the impact of terrorists and bandits was  evident in the “decline of these threats in various parts of the country.”

    “In Southern Kaduna, Operations have also been expanded to close some gaps to stop terrorist activities in some local government of the region,” the BNM coordinator said.

    “The fight against oil thieves that have been depriving Nigeria of trillions of naira in revenue, the CDS has supported the efforts of the Nigerian Navy and other maritime agencies to secure the nation’s waters and oil installations,” the coordinator said.

    According to Esan, these achievements are remarkable and commendable, considering the challenges and constraints that the CDS inherited from his predecessors.

    “We are confident that with Gen. Musa at the helm of affairs, Nigeria is in safe hands and that if he can achieve all these in 100 days, what the future holds is indescribable,” Esan said.