Iliyasu S. Yahaya
While assuming duty on Friday, Nigeria’s new Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), vowing to confront the country’s security challenges head-on. Addressing service chiefs and senior officials at the Ministry of Defence Headquarters, Ship House Abuja, Musa stressed the need for a comprehensive review of military operations nationwide, improved troops’ welfare, operational coordination, and discipline.
“The shedding of innocent blood must end. Our children deserve to return to school. Farmers must return to their farms,” Musa declared, emphasizing a balanced approach involving kinetic and non-kinetic solutions like justice, equity, and good governance. He warned of “zero tolerance for corruption, indiscipline or indolence,” saying welfare for troops is “not administrative; it is strategic.”
Musa, the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, announced a rigorous review of theatre commands and inter-service operations, guided by data. Received by Permanent Secretary Richard Pheelangwa and service chiefs, Musa was described as a “timely” appointment. CDS Gen. Olufemi Oluyede pledged the Armed Forces’ support, anticipating a “more robust and coordinated approach” to security challenges.
The minister assured Nigerians of a comprehensive strategy, saying, “Our troops are out there day and night, risking everything so that Nigerians can sleep in peace.”