By Bavoriat Clara
The Chief of Defence Staff has urged personnel of the Armed Forces to continue to believe in Nigeria, emphasizing that the nation remains worth fighting for.
The immediate past Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, made the call during his valedictory address at a colourful pulling-out parade held in his honour at Mogadishu Cantonment, Abuja, marking the end of a distinguished military career that spanned 39 years and four months.
The event was attended by the Honourable Minister of Defence, Service Chiefs, former Chiefs of Defence Staff, members of the National Assembly, heads of security agencies, captains of industry, traditional rulers, senior military officers both serving and retired, as well as family members and well-wishers.
In his emotional farewell address, General Musa expressed profound gratitude to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the confidence reposed in him to serve as Chief of Defence Staff, describing it as the highest honour of his professional life.
Reflecting on his decades of dedicated service, General Musa said his tenure was driven by a firm resolve to reposition the Armed Forces of Nigeria for greater efficiency, inter-service cooperation, and improved operational effectiveness in tackling emerging security threats.
Under his leadership, the Armed Forces recorded significant successes in the fight against insurgency, banditry, oil theft, and other forms of insecurity across the country. He championed the strengthening of joint operations through enhanced intelligence sharing, equipment upgrade, and the training and welfare of troops.
General Musa was also instrumental in deepening civil-military relations, ensuring stronger community engagement in conflict-prone areas, and promoting the welfare of fallen heroes’ families through various support initiatives. His emphasis on jointness and synergy among the services brought renewed cohesion to Nigeria’s military operations, particularly in the North East, North West, and Niger Delta regions.
“Our men and women in uniform have shown uncommon courage and sacrifice. I have witnessed their bravery in the face of danger, their resilience under the most demanding conditions, and their unrelenting commitment to our nation’s unity and peace,” he said. “They remain the true heroes of Nigeria, and it has been the highest honour of my life to serve among them.”
General Musa charged officers and men of the Armed Forces to remain steadfast, loyal, and professional in the discharge of their constitutional duties, adding that “defeat is temporal, but victory is forever.” He urged them to uphold the core values of loyalty, sacrifice, and selfless service while continuing to defend Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
He commended the Nigerian people—especially the youth—for their resilience, prayers, and faith in the Armed Forces, as well as the media and sister security agencies for their partnership in safeguarding national security.
“I want to particularly thank the Nigerian Police, the DSS, the NIA, and the DIA for their consistent collaboration,” he said. “No single institution can win the war against insecurity alone. We must continue to synergize and work as one.”
General Musa expressed deep appreciation to his wife and children, describing them as the “unsung heroes” who bore the weight of his long absences and sacrifices throughout his career.
“Though I retire from active service today, I am by no means retiring from my love for our dear country,” he stated. “I remain a soldier at heart and a patriot ever loyal to the Constitution and sovereignty of our great nation.”
During his tenure, General Musa initiated several reforms aimed at modernizing the Armed Forces, including improving the welfare of troops, revitalizing training institutions, and enhancing collaboration with international partners on counterterrorism, maritime security, and peace support operations. He also prioritized the deployment of technology and intelligence-driven strategies to strengthen operational outcomes.
He thanked the Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs, and the Ministry of Defence for organizing what he described as a remarkable and well-coordinated pulling-out ceremony, dedicating the event to all officers and men who continue to serve with honour and courage.
As the ceremonial colours were lowered and the parade marched past for the final time, the event marked not only the end of General Musa’s illustrious military journey but also the celebration of a legacy of leadership, patriotism, and enduring faith in Nigeria’s unity and future.
“Nigeria will continue to grow stronger,” he said. “Our unity is our strength, and together, we shall overcome.”
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