We Must Not Fail Protecting Nigerians, CDS Tells Joint Task Force Commanders
Linus Aleke in Abuja
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, yesterday, said the military could not afford to fail Nigerians, who had entrusted them with protecting their lives, properties, and freedoms.
Speaking at the Chief of Defence Staff Joint Task Force Commanders Conference 2025, Musa urged the commanders to intensify their efforts in combating terrorism and other emerging security threats in Nigeria.
He told the commanders that the security landscape in Nigeria had continued to evolve and present new and complex challenge, hence the imperative of the conference to evolve a clear roadmap for addressing the security challenges confronting the nation.
“Let us keep in mind the trust reposed in us by the Nigerian people. They look up to us to protect their lives, properties, and freedoms. We must not fail them,” he said.
Musa also commended the commanders for their relentless efforts in combating insurgency, terrorism, banditry, and other security threats.
He also noted that recent successes were a testament to their professionalism, resilience, and commitment to duty.
The CDS stressed that evolving threats, such as armed drones, transnational crimes, and improvised explosive devices, required innovative and adaptive responses.
The conference, CDS said, aimed to evolve a clear roadmap for addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.
Musa emphasised the importance of leveraging technology, enhancing intelligence-sharing, and strengthening interagency cooperation to stay ahead of threats.
Speaking about joint military operations, Musa said the the conference focused on the concept of jointness as a major determinant for operational success, particularly within the context of a complex and dynamic contemporary security environment.
Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar, who represented President Bola Tinubu, declared the conference open, and reiterated the importance of joint military operations.
He also urged the commanders to explore the concept of jointness, harness emerging technologies, and ensure multi-agency synergy to remain an agile and lethal force.
“I further implore you to continue to work together to ensure multi-agency synergy on all fronts as this will enable the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain an agile, adaptable and lethal force performing at its highest potential,” he said.
In his welcome address, the Chief of Defence Training and Operation, Major General Emeka Onumajuru, said the conference would encourage the whole of government and whole of society’s approach to the conduct of military operations.
According to him, it would also increase the interface between the military strategic leadership and operational commanders while ensuring clear strategic guidance.
