CDS Christopher Musa
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has issued a stern warning to those undermining Nigeria’s sovereignty, declaring that anyone acting against the unity of the nation will be considered an enemy of the state.
Speaking on Tuesday at the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council (NTRC) General Assembly, themed: “Kebbi 2025: Strengthening Community Collaboration for Lasting Peace and Security in Northern Nigeria”,_ Gen. Musa stressed the military’s unshakable resolve to defend the country’s territorial integrity.
> “Anyone found doing anything negative against the government and the sovereignty of Nigeria is an enemy of the state, and we will go after such person,” he stated emphatically.
He called for a united front from all Nigerians, urging citizens to join in preserving the nation’s peace and stability.
Commending traditional rulers, particularly the Sultan of Sokoto, for their pivotal role in peacebuilding efforts, Musa emphasized the indispensable role of these leaders in maintaining social cohesion.
> “We underscore the vital role of our traditional rulers as custodians of values and morality. They remain indispensable to our collective efforts in ensuring stability in the North and the entire country,” he said.
Describing traditional institutions as the “bedrock of governance,” Musa noted that real peace cannot be imposed but must be nurtured through trust, cooperation, and consistent dialogue.
He also issued a clear directive to the armed forces, encouraging firm and lawful action against threats to lives and property.
> “No member of the armed forces should tell you he has not been ordered to take down any criminal killing or destroying property. You are authorised to act,” he charged.
On the topic of national defence, the CDS reiterated the military’s unwavering commitment to democracy, acknowledging President Bola Tinubu’s consistent support to the Armed Forces.
*Sultan: Support the military, not Ccriticise them*
In his remarks, the Sultan of Sokoto and NTRC Chairman, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, called on Nigerians to stop the habit of bashing the military, urging instead for prayers and public support.
> “Without the military, we wouldn’t be where we are now. There are challenges and shortcomings, and that’s why we are here – to find solutions,” the Sultan said.
He further stressed the dangers of misinformation and fake news, particularly on social media, which he said has been used maliciously to stoke unrest.
> “People sit in the comfort of their rooms, create fake stories and share them until they go viral. It is dangerous. We must verify information before posting or sharing,” the royal father cautioned.
He debunked circulating false reports, including fake claims of an attack on a mosque in Sokoto and fabricated divisive statements wrongly attributed to him.
The Sultan reaffirmed the council’s support for democratic governance and pledged collaboration with elected leaders across all levels.
Also addressing the gathering, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Atiku Bagudu, lauded the security forces for their sacrifices and stressed the need for national appreciation and cooperation.
> “The economy is taking the right direction, and we are putting in more work. Nigeria will soon become the pride of Africa, given the laudable works President Tinubu is doing in human capital and infrastructural development,” Bagudu stated.
Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi echoed these sentiments, hailing the foresight and efforts of traditional rulers in bolstering peace and unity.
The high-level event, hosted at the Presidential Lodge in Birnin Kebbi, brought together traditional rulers, top security officials, senior government representatives, and community leaders from across the North, all united in the mission to forge lasting solutions to the region’s security challenges.
NAN
