General CG Musa

Terrorism, insurgency, and transnational threats can only be confronted through regional cooperation, intelligence fusion, synergy, and sustained commitment among states.

Yesterday in N'Djamena, Republic of Chad, I joined fellow Defence Ministers and senior military chiefs from Chad, Cameroon, and Benin at the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) meeting under the Lake Chad Basin Commission, where we reviewed ongoing military operations and charted stronger strategies for regional peace and stability.

Nigeria remains steadfast in its commitment to collective security and the restoration of lasting peace across the Lake Chad Basin.

Happy Workers' Day to dedicated staff of the Ministry of Defence and our brave personnel.

I was delighted to deliver the Convocation Lecture at this year’s Combined Convocation Ceremony of the Akwa Ibom State University, held at the Main Campus in Ikot Akpaden.

​Education remains the ultimate defense against the challenges of tomorrow. Engaging with the academic community is vital to our nation's path forward, as intellectual empowerment serves as a clever deterrent to the socio-economic frustrations that often fuel insecurity. By prioritizing knowledge, we fortify the minds of our youth against criminal influence and build a foundation of stability that kinetic force alone cannot achieve.

I wish to express my sincere gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor, the Governing Council, and the entire Mkpat Enin community for the warm and exceptional reception.

At the Antalya Diplomacy Forum 2026 in the Republic of Türkiye, I championed a renewed global focus on the security architecture of West Africa and the Lake Chad Basin.

​Beyond the panel, we secured a definitive consensus among international partners: the fight against terrorism in Nigeria is a global priority that demands more than just rhetoric.

We are moving toward a synchronized 'shared responsibility' model; ensuring that our local operations are backed by the weight of international cooperation and trusted intelligence-sharing.
We are moving beyond the era of diplomatic dialogue and into the era of collective action; forging the international alliances necessary to decisively crush borderless terrorism.

April 18, 2026

Earlier today, I paid my final respects to our fallen heroes who paid the supreme price in the defence of our nation.

Their lives were defined by extraordinary gallantry, and an oath they upheld to the very end. During their service, they stood tough, embodying the highest ideals of duty, honour, and patriotism. Their sacrifice is a profound proof of their commitment to the peace and security of Nigeria.

These brave men have etched their names into the fabric of our national history. Their courage will remain a guiding light to those who wear the uniform and to generations yet unborn. We owe them a debt that words cannot fully capture. As a nation, we must preserve the values for which they stood: discipline, sacrifice, and loyalty to our country.

I assure their families, and indeed all Nigerians that their sacrifice will not be in vain. We will remain strong in strengthening our security system and sustaining the fight against terrorism to secure our nation, so that the legacy of these fallen heroes continues to find meaning in a safer and more united Nigeria.

April 15, 2026

I joined His Excellency, Senator Uba Sani, at the Kaduna State Expanded Security Council Meeting, where we refined the Kaduna Peace Model to stay several steps ahead of those who threaten our peace and stability.

The Kaduna Peace Model, anchored on inclusivity, intelligence-led operations, and strong inter-agency collaboration, remains central to our security approach. In line with this, we are further intensifying efforts to break up the structures and operational chains that sustain these banditary and terrorist activities in Kaduna State, across the North West, North East, and other parts of the country.

It is also important to state that lasting success in the fight against insecurity requires the systematic disruption of the logistical, financial, and informational support structures that enable these terrorists to operate.
Accordingly, individuals or groups who, directly or indirectly, provide support to terrorists, whether through intelligence, shelter, logistics, or financing, treated as active collaborators in undermining national security and will be dealt with accordingly.

I extend my deepest condolences to the families of our gallant fallen heroes, including the late General Braimah and other personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten, and the nation remains eternally grateful for their service.

I also commend Governor Uba Sani for his continued partnership, leadership, and commitment to working closely with the Armed Forces and other security agencies in advancing peace and stability in our dear state.

Peace remains a non-negotiable priority.

April 14, 2026.

As we commemorate Easter, we are called to reflect on the profound virtues of sacrifice, fortitude, and rebirth.

May this sacred season rekindle an unyielding spirit within us, fortify our common purpose, and inspire a renewed commitment to safeguarding our nation’s peace and sovereignty.

May hope ascend above fear, and unity outshine division across our land.

Happy Easter.

A well-trained and enlightened military is the cornerstone of a secured and forward-moving nation. True security and lasting excellence emerge only when we cultivate the minds and skills of our personnel.

Yesterday, I met with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Mr. Richard Pheelangwa, alongside senior education leaders from across our Armed Forces here in Abuja.

We set out to reshape military education across all branches, building a unified, agile, and future-ready training ecosystem. We assessed current systems and highlighted the urgent need to modernize our educational architecture to meet the evolving demands of national security and contemporary warfare.

This reflects my commitment to advancing capacity building and strengthening professionalism throughout our Armed Forces.

I had the honour of flagging off the Senior Executive Career Transition Programme (SECTP), an initiative of the Nigerian Army implemented by the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre.

This programme is designed to equip senior officers of the Armed Forces of Nigeria with the requisite knowledge and skills for a smooth transition to civilian life after active service. Scheduled from 22 March to 4 April 2026, the residential course delivers focused modules on retirement planning, financial management, career reinvention, and the psychological dimensions of post-service adjustment. It also integrates corporate immersion engagements, venture support initiatives, and mentorship from accomplished retired senior officers.

As Minister of Defence, I consider this initiative an important component of our broader commitment to personnel welfare and human capital development. The responsibility of military leadership must extend beyond active service to ensuring that our personnel are well-prepared for life after retirement and continued service to the nation.

SECTP represents a proactive and institutionalised approach to safeguarding the dignity, stability, and well-being of our senior officers, while reinforcing inter-service synergy within the Armed Forces.

Through initiatives such as this, we will continue to prioritise policies and programmes that honour the sacrifices of our personnel and strengthen the overall effectiveness of our defence institutions.

May the spirit of Eid-El-Fitr ignite new hopes and bright beginnings as the Muslim Ummah celebrates this blessed occasion.