As Nigeria’s security and defence landscape faces numerous challenges, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, says it requires a robust, innovative, and unified response.
By Muhammad Tijjani
As Nigeria’s security and defence landscape faces numerous challenges, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, says it requires a robust, innovative, and unified response.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that he spoke when he delivered a lecture to the students of Senior Course 47 and Junior Course 99 of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC) on Tuesday in Jaji, Kaduna State.
Musa said .that collective effort was necessary to overcome Nigeria’s and Africa’s challenges of insecurity.
NAN also reports that the lecture was titled: ‘Nigeria’s Security and Defence: My Leadership Concept For The Armed Forces Of Nigeria’.
He emphasised that fighting together with allied countries was crucial in ending insecurity.
The CDS stated that unity makes Nigeria and its neighboring countries a strong force, adding that threats do not respect borders, brothers, or individuals.
“Nigeria has a significant role in promoting unity and peace in Africa. Working together with all the African countries, we all can achieve greatness,”Musa said.
The CDS said his command philosophy for the Armed Forces was anchored on three pillars including people-centric approach, prioritising troops’ welfare, and deepening jointness and collaboration.
He, therefore, said as future leaders, officers must lead by example, uphold integrity, discipline, and courage, adding that leadership was all about service, sacrifice, and inspiring others.
Speaking further, Musa said the security landscape in Nigeria was evolving, thereby requiring innovation, technology, and skills improvement.
“No single service or agency can tackle the challenges alone. Collaboration among services and agencies is necessary.
“Strengthening partnerships with regional and international allies is also crucial for success.
“Dedication, ingenuity, and unity of purpose can help Nigeria overcome challenges,”the CDS said.
Musa charged the students to be change-makers, leading with vision, empathy, and resilience.
The goal, he stressed, was to build armed forces capable of defending the nation and addressing emerging threats, where collective effort and cooperation were essential for success.
The Commandant (AFCSC), AVM Hassan Alhaji, said Nigeria had faced numerous challenges since its creation, including a devastating civil war from 1967 to 1970.
Alhaji said in spite of these obstacles, the country remainef standing, adding, “this is thanks to the sacrifices of its armed forces.”
He said the CDS had played a crucial role in Nigeria’s recent progress, demonstrating exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and diplomacy.
The commandant said that these efforts had led to significant improvements in national security.
“The chief of defence staff is a firm believer in the importance of international cooperation.
“He has increased the number of spots for international students in Nigeria’s military training programs.
“Soon, students from Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar will join the programme,” he said.
The commandant said the lecture concluded with a call to action, urging the audience to do their part in supporting Nigeria’s progress.
” The chief of defence staff and service chiefs have provided the leadership and resources necessary for success, “Alhaji said. (NAN)
