CDS Urges Soldiers to Identify, Eliminate Criminal Elements to Restore Peace
Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has called on security forces to proactively identify and eliminate criminal elements threatening national peace and stability across the Sahel region.
Speaking on Thursday as Guest of Honour at the closing ceremony of Exercise Haske Biyu, a joint military training exercise held at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC) in Jaji, Kaduna State, General Musa said that neutralising insurgents, terrorists, and bandits is essential to achieving lasting peace in Nigeria and the wider region.
He described insurgency, terrorism, and banditry as persistent threats not only to Nigeria but to the entire Sahel belt, noting that criminal groups take advantage of weak and porous borders to operate across countries without restriction.
“At the end of the day, the only thing we must do is to look for the bad guys and take them out. That is the only way we can have peace,” the Defence Chief stated.
General Musa stressed that the fight against insecurity requires regional collaboration, noting that no single country can tackle the menace alone. He cited the Multinational Joint Task Force in Chad as a successful example of cross-border cooperation to combat terrorism.
He also emphasised the critical role of community engagement, explaining that local support is key to denying terrorists safe havens. “Once communities deny these elements the ability to stay, they will not be able to stand,” he said, urging citizens to take ownership of security efforts.
Musa further underscored the importance of civil-military relations, warning security personnel against corruption, unprofessional conduct, and political interference that could compromise military operations. He urged troops to maintain discipline and integrity in all engagements.
Acknowledging the media's role in shaping public perception, the CDS praised journalists for their “sustained, constructive coverage” of military efforts and urged continued public enlightenment on the goals and progress of security operations.
He reiterated that securing Nigeria is a collective responsibility that goes beyond the armed forces and police, and called on all Nigerians to support the fight against insecurity.
The CDS’s remarks come amid ongoing efforts to address escalating security challenges in the region, as the military shifts towards more strategic, community-focused, and cooperative operations.
#UTVAfrica#
