The Minister of Defence, Retired General Christopher Musa has urged the newly promoted senior officers of the Nigerian Army to justify their elevation with decisive leadership, stronger joint operations and measurable security outcomes across the country.
Musa was speaking at the decoration ceremony of newly promoted Major Generals at Command Officers Mess, Abuja marking a pivotal moment in the Army’s command evolution, recognising officers elevated into the strategic tier where decisions extend beyond battlefield outcomes to shaping Nigeria’s broader national security direction.
The Defence Minister described the event as both a personal and institutional milestone, framing the promotions as part of Nigeria’s broader effort to build a stronger, more capable and future ready Army.
The Minister said; “the ceremony was convened to celebrate excellence anchored on discipline, rigorous training, strategic leadership and unwavering dedication to national service, noting that the officers elevated were among the finest leaders within the Armed Forces of Nigeria.”
According to him, “the promotions reflected the confidence of the nation in the officers’ capacity to shoulder greater responsibilities at a time of persistent and evolving security threats.”
READ ALSO: General Musa Vows Swift Results in Strengthening Nigeria’s Security
“As Minister of Defence and immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, I know firsthand how rigorous and competitive the promotion process is. I commend the Chief of Army Staff, the senior leadership of the Nigerian Army and the Army Council for maintaining fairness, integrity and credibility in the system.
“These challenges are Nigerian challenges, and we must confront them together with unity of purpose. Nigerians are watching all of us. They demand results, and time is of the essence,” he said.
The Minister stressed that the newly promoted officers were now positioned at the strategic level of command, where their decisions would directly shape operational effectiveness and the future direction of the Nigerian Army, particularly in the fight against terrorism, insurgency, kidnapping and other emerging threats.
He also acknowledged the sacrifices of military families, expressing appreciation to spouses and relatives for enduring long separations, uncertainty and the demands of military life, while assuring them of the Federal Government’s continued commitment to improving welfare.
Recent Coup in Benin Republic
In a broader regional context, the Minister commended members of the Armed Forces for their swift and professional response to the recent attempted coup in the Republic of Benin.
He noted that their prompt action helped ensure the plot failed and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional stability.
Also addressing the Senior officers, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu urged them to embrace higher responsibility, strategic foresight and reform-driven leadership.
Lieutenant General Shaibu said; “the promotions reflected years of sacrifice, professionalism and confidence reposed in the officers by the institution, while reminding them that elevation comes with deeper accountability.”
According to the Chief of Army Staff, Nigeria continues to face complex and evolving threats ranging from terrorism and banditry to social disruptions and asymmetric challenges, making adaptive leadership and innovative operational thinking imperative at the strategic level.
“These promotions place you at a level where your decisions will influence not only tactical outcomes but the direction of our national security,” he said.
Lieutenant General Shaibu stressed that the Nigerian Army remains the cornerstone of national stability and constitutional order, noting that loyalty to the Constitution, the Commander-in-Chief and the Nigerian people must remain unwavering.
He also highlighted Nigeria’s critical role in safeguarding stability within the West African sub-region, emphasizing the Army’s responsibility in supporting regional efforts against violent extremism, securing shared borders and upholding democratic governance.
“The peace of individual nations directly contributes to the stability of our region,” Lieutenant General Shaibu said.
Addressing officers who were not promoted, the Army Chief urged patience and renewed commitment, describing progression in the Nigerian Army as “a deliberate journey guided by merit, diligence, loyalty, integrity and consistent professionalism.”
“The institution values character and professionalism. Stay focused, remain committed, and your recognition will come in due time,” Lieutenant General Shaibu said.
Expressing appreciation on behalf of the promoted colleagues, Major General Francis Omata appreciated the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, the Army leadership and the support of their spouses, acknowledging that the promotion is both an honour and a solemn call to greater responsibility in the service of the nation.
Major General Omata assured the Commander in Chief of the officers’ unwavering loyalty, devotion to duty and readiness to execute all assigned responsibilities in defence of Nigeria’s security and territorial integrity.