Nigeria's newly appointed Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), has promised that citizens will witness tangible improvements in national security "within the shortest possible time." The pledge came as he was sworn into office at the State House in Abuja on Thursday, December 5, 2024.
Musa Prioritises Synergy and Swift Action
Speaking immediately after taking his oath, General Musa outlined his immediate priority as repositioning the nation's defence architecture to reclaim its central role in safeguarding the country. He emphasised that strengthening coordination was non-negotiable.
"The synergy between the armed forces, between the military and other security agencies, and with all Nigerians must be strengthened," Musa stated. He described security as everybody's responsibility and vowed to build on existing collaborative efforts.
The Minister conveyed President Bola Tinubu's firm directives, noting that the Commander-in-Chief had reiterated the imperative to secure Nigeria. "Nigerians should be able to sleep with their eyes closed, return to their farms, send their children to school without fear," he said, aligning this goal with the President's Renewed Hope agenda.
Ribadu's Stern Warning to Non-State Actors
In a parallel development, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, issued a stern caution to individuals and groups undermining national stability. Speaking at a peace dialogue in Abuja organised by the National Peace Committee, Ribadu declared that those exploiting communities or terror would face decisive action.
"Any individual or group seeking to exploit communities, exploit terror or undermine national unity, will face decisive, coordinated and uncompromising actions," he warned. He expressed optimism that the nation's protracted challenges with terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping would be overcome, asserting, "This also shall pass... They are evil. But they will be defeated."
Ribadu highlighted the gravity of the regional situation, noting that insecurity had toppled democracies across West Africa, leaving Nigeria as "the only Sahel country that is still standing as a democracy." He disclosed that terrorism-related prosecutions had so far secured over 775 convictions, reinforcing the rule of law.
Labour Congress Takes a Stand Against Banditry
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) entered the fray, with its President, Joe Ajaero, announcing that the union would no longer remain passive while bandits hold the nation hostage. Speaking at an NLC National Executive Council meeting in Lagos, Ajaero vowed that the Congress would announce a firm position in the coming days.
"We will no longer sit and watch while bandits and kidnappers take over the country with useless demand for ransom," Ajaero declared. He also indicated the NLC's readiness to investigate alleged security lapses, including a case where operatives were withdrawn from a school prior to a mass abduction.
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana, who also spoke at the event, raised an alarm over the deteriorating security situation. He cautioned that calls for foreign military intervention posed a serious threat to Nigeria's sovereignty and urged President Tinubu to act urgently to protect citizens.
Broad Support for Security Shake-Up
The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Reverend Matthew Hassan Kukah, expressed strong confidence in President Tinubu's choice of General Musa as Defence Minister. Kukah, who attended the swearing-in representing both the Sultan of Sokoto and the people of Southern Kaduna, stressed that the security crisis required uncompromising action.
"Everybody knows what the problem is. We just need restoration of normalcy in this country by any means possible," Kukah said. He fully endorsed Musa's Senate screening comments advocating tougher measures against terrorists, stating, "Rain, thunder, sunshine, whatever it takes to get this mess under control."
On the ground, military commanders are pushing for intensified operations. The Theatre Commander of Operation Hadarin Daji in the North West, Major General Godwin Mutkut, ordered troops to wipe out terrorists from the region, stating they were not in the field "to play football or dance." Similarly, the Commander of 6 Brigade in Taraba cautioned soldiers against complacency and arrogance.
President Tinubu commended the Senate for its swift confirmation of General Musa, describing the former Chief of Defence Staff as "a fine gentleman" whose experience is vital at this critical juncture for the nation.
