Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, has called on Nigeria’s security leadership to move from discussions to concrete action in tackling the country’s evolving security challenges, including terrorism, insurgency, banditry, and other criminal threats.
General Musa made the remarks on Monday while opening the 10th Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Annual Conference 2025 in Lagos.
He described the conference as a platform for reviewing the Nigerian Army’s operational posture, readiness, and professionalism in line with national security priorities.
He noted that recent operations have degraded the capabilities of terrorist and criminal networks across several regions but emphasized that no single service or agency can secure the country alone.
“Intelligence sharing and inter-service cooperation are fundamental to effective national defence,” he said.
The Defence Minister urged security agencies to sustain unity, joint operations, and collaboration with other stakeholders.
He highlighted the need to translate strategic discussions into operational actions and measurable results.
While commending the Army’s achievements, General Musa paid tribute to fallen and wounded soldiers, including Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja and Brigadier General Oba, and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the welfare of serving and retired personnel.
He also praised the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for his career spanning battalion and brigade commands in the North East to his current role as Army Chief, and called on senior commanders to continually develop strategies to address emerging threats.
General Musa reaffirmed that national security is central to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, assuring that the government would continue providing policy support, strategic direction, and resources to maintain a professional and capable Armed Forces.
