Nigeria’s Military Is Fully Committed to Ending Insecurity – Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa Assures

 

In the face of rising insecurity across Nigeria, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has assured citizens that the Nigerian Armed Forces remain fully committed to restoring peace and stability throughout the country. He made this strong declaration on Friday, May 16, after attending a high-level security meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other top military officials at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Speaking to State House correspondents shortly after the closed-door meeting, General Musa emphasized that the Nigerian government is taking urgent and strategic steps to address the worsening security situation. One of the major decisions taken, according to him, is the approval for the acquisition of new air assets by President Tinubu. These assets are expected to play a vital role in boosting the military’s air power and strengthening counter-insurgency operations, especially in regions troubled by terrorist activities.

“All our theatres have been enhanced, equipment has been bought and Mr President has given us much approval for air assets, and other aspects of security,”
— General Christopher Musa

Nigeria’s Porous Borders: A Serious Concern

Another key issue General Musa brought to light was Nigeria’s poorly secured and porous borders. He explained that these borders have made it easier for foreign elements, including terrorists and jihadists, to infiltrate the country and fuel internal insecurity. To address this, the President has instructed the military and other relevant agencies to increase collaboration with neighbouring countries to secure Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

“Mr President has given a directive as to what to do next for us to intensify all efforts, collaborate with all our sister countries around us because it is the porous nature from there that is aggravating our own issues on ground,”
— General Christopher Musa

In simple terms, what the Defence Chief is saying is that many of the security challenges we face today – including banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, and cross-border attacks – are being made worse because Nigeria’s borders are not well-policed. This allows criminal elements to move in and out of the country easily. The new directive from the President is for the military to work more closely with neighbouring countries like Niger, Chad, and Cameroon to plug these security loopholes.

Military Equipment Already Procured and Deployed

General Musa further revealed that additional military equipment has already been procured and deployed to various operational zones across the country. This is part of an overall strategy to enhance the capability of the Armed Forces and ensure that troops on the frontlines are well-equipped to combat insurgents, especially in the northern regions where attacks have become more frequent.

According to him, this recent push to upgrade the military’s strength shows how serious the Tinubu administration is about improving national security. He made it clear that the government is not only focusing on military (kinetic) solutions but is also working on non-kinetic strategies to address the root causes of unrest and violence.

“The President is engaging state governors to ensure that the dividends of democracy reach local communities,”
— General Christopher Musa

By this, he means that insecurity is not just a military issue—it is also tied to poor governance, lack of basic services, poverty, and unemployment. When people, especially young people, are neglected by the system, they become vulnerable to being recruited by terrorist groups. So, the government wants to ensure that the people benefit from democracy in practical ways, such as good roads, education, healthcare, and jobs.

Insecurity and the Sahel Region Crisis

General Musa also explained that the rising insecurity in Nigeria cannot be separated from broader instability in the Sahel region—a part of Africa stretching from Senegal to Sudan, which has become a hotbed of terrorism and extremist movements. He warned that this regional crisis has made Nigeria more vulnerable, especially because of its weak border control.

“The President is deeply concerned about the current developments and is determined to see them resolved,”
— General Christopher Musa

This was part of the reason the meeting with President Tinubu was held—to review the national security situation and come up with stronger strategies to tackle new and emerging threats.

Call for Public Support and Cooperation

While the military is stepping up its operations, General Musa also stressed the importance of public support in winning the war against insecurity. He encouraged Nigerians not to give up or lose hope, but instead to continue supporting the Armed Forces and other security agencies with useful information and vigilance.

“Don’t get tired,”
— General Christopher Musa

He urged citizens to report anything suspicious in their communities, assuring that swift action will be taken, even if the suspect is a member of the military or other government forces.

“It is important that we all cooperate with the members of the Armed Forces and security agencies. If we see something that is going wrong anywhere in the country, let us report, action will be taken, including our own personnel,”
— General Christopher Musa

Warning Against Fake News and Misinformation

In addition, the Chief of Defence Staff expressed concern over the spread of misleading videos and fake news, especially those portraying Nigeria in a bad light. He cited recent incidents where foreign footage was shared on social media and falsely claimed to be scenes from Nigeria. He warned that such actions can cause panic and damage the country’s image.

He also had strong words for individuals who seem to take delight in Nigeria’s struggles.

“Some people appear to be happy when things are not going well in the country,”
— General Christopher Musa

He warned that if Nigeria were to collapse, the consequences would be catastrophic for everyone—regardless of status, tribe, religion, or political affiliation.

Conclusion

General Musa’s message is clear: the Nigerian military is not backing down. With new equipment, stronger international collaboration, and a renewed commitment from President Tinubu, the government is taking bold steps to confront insecurity from all angles. But the military cannot do it alone. Every Nigerian—whether in the village or the city—has a role to play. By staying alert, spreading only the truth, and supporting security forces, we can all contribute to building a safer and stronger Nigeria.

Stay tuned to NaijaRush for more updates on national security and other trending issues affecting our great country.