The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has issued a stern warning to the Nigerian Armed Forces, emphasizing their constitutional duty to protect the nation and its citizens. He cautioned against any actions that harm innocent Nigerians, stating that such misconduct will not be tolerated.
General Musa made this declaration during an official visit to the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna State on Friday. While addressing officers and cadets, the CDS underscored the importance of prioritizing the safety and sovereignty of Nigeria in all military operations.
“Our duty is to protect Nigeria, to protect our sovereignty, whether within or outside. It is not to harm innocent people, that we must understand,” Musa stated. “For cadets, as you grow in the system, understand this clearly—our duty is to protect and defend our country.”
He further warned against dereliction of duty and the pursuit of personal interests at the expense of national service. According to him, there will be no shielding or leniency for any officer found guilty of misconduct, stressing that the military must remain disciplined and professional in discharging its duties.
The CDS also highlighted the challenges ahead, urging officers to brace for deployments to difficult terrains in defense of their fatherland.
During his visit, General Musa inaugurated several completed projects at the NDA aimed at enhancing cadet training and welfare. Among these were the NDA emergency and trauma center, an operational and basic military training complex, and other facilities designed to modernize the academy’s infrastructure.
The Commandant of the NDA, Major General John Ochai, reiterated the importance of leveraging technology to combat terrorism, banditry, and other security threats plaguing the nation. He called for innovative approaches in addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
General Musa’s visit served as both a reminder of the military’s core responsibilities and a call for renewed commitment to national service. His message left no room for ambiguity: the Armed Forces exist to protect Nigeria and its citizens, and any deviation from this duty will be met with consequences.