Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has emphasized that the nation’s security challenges can only be effectively addressed through unity, strong family values, and active community cooperation.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of Exercise Haske Biyu 2025 at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji Cantonment, Kaduna, General Musa stressed that the Armed Forces alone cannot win the battle against terrorists and bandits without the support of Nigerians.
General Musa said “unconventional warfare requires the confidence of citizens, warning that without correct public perception, even genuine military efforts could be misunderstood.”
He praised the Nigerian media for their role in educating the public and highlighting the sacrifices of security forces, particularly during his time as Theatre Commander in the Northeast.
The Defence Chief urged communities to deny criminals sanctuary, warning that terrorists become harder to defeat when they find acceptance among locals.
General Musa stressed that national survival depends on collective effort, adding that “no citizen is greater than the other.”
He also drew attention to security threats across the Sahel, pointing to the successes of the Multinational Joint Task Force in Chad as evidence that African unity is critical to defeating cross-border terrorism.
Speaking on the theme “Family and National Security,” General Musa said strong families remain the foundation of a safe nation, lamenting the erosion of communal values and urging Nigerians to revive the tradition of being their “brother’s keeper.”
He cautioned security operatives against monetary inducements and political manipulation, insisting their sole duty is to neutralise criminals.
Looking ahead, General Musa underscored the growing impact of technology, social media, and artificial intelligence on national security, urging constant adaptation and innovation.
He expressed confidence that the training had equipped officers with the resilience and strategic thinking required to safeguard peace in Nigeria and across Africa.
Commandant of the College, Air Vice Marshal Idris Alhaji, described Exercise Haske Biyu 2025 as the largest and most comprehensive training ever conducted, highlighting its role in strengthening family values and national resilience.
He said the theme was chosen to reflect the understanding that morality, discipline, and patriotism are first nurtured at the family level.
General Musa disclosed that the 2026 edition would consolidate on this year’s achievements, incorporating the executive, legislative and judicial arms of government to deepen whole-of-society approaches to security under the theme “Fusing the Capabilities of National Power and Building Resilient Synergies to Enhance Security.”
The Director of Joint Studies, Brigadier General S.M. Ubah, said the exercise had evolved from routine training into a robust national problem-solving platform.
He noted that its inclusivity now positions it as a model for addressing contemporary and emerging security challenges.
Chief Instructor of Charlie Division, Colonel A.T. Adilaye, announced that the College has developed a Citizens Reporting Quarter, a technology-driven initiative designed to improve intelligence gathering and strengthen national security.
The exercise, which began on 15 September, featured intensive lectures, case studies, demonstrations and operational planning sessions, with participation from security agencies, civil institutions, and the wider public.
PIAK