“CDS: Security Improving, But Nigerians Must Stay Vigilant”
Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has urged citizens to remain engaged in the fight against insecurity, assuring them that the nation is making real progress. Speaking on Saturday in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, at a conference focused on countering violent extremism, he acknowledged lingering threats but emphasized a noticeable improvement in security across the region.
General Musa framed the ongoing fight against insurgents as a shared responsibility. He appealed to Nigerians to support security efforts and correct extremist narratives through social media, radio, and local media. “Things are getting better,” he said, “but that progress relies on our collective effort.” He also praised initiatives like the Kalthum Foundation’s community outreach and the launch of student task forces aimed at identifying and rejecting extremist propaganda.
His visit included a stop at Maimalari Military Hospital to visit wounded troops, where he and guests donated supplies and cash to support their care.
Beyond the northeast, the military commander stressed that insecurity often stems from underlying social issues—including extreme poverty, hunger, and displacement. Addressing participants at a national security seminar in Abuja, he warned that starvation and economic hardship have become key drivers of violence, particularly in agrarian regions such as Benue State, once known as Nigeria’s food basket. He urged communities to aid security agencies by sharing information and refusing to shelter criminals.
General Musa also suggested bold security reforms, including fencing Nigeria’s long borders with Cameroon, Niger, Benin, and Chad to restrict cross-border movement of armed groups—a measure he compared to successful strategies in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
Despite acknowledging that serious threats remain, General Musa said there is reason for optimism. He expressed gratitude to President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and acknowledged support from state governors in Borno and Yobe for backing security operations.
Authorities recognize that the road ahead is long. Food security, community resilience, and military readiness must work in tandem to translate recent gains into sustained safety. Still, with government and citizens working together, there is cautious optimism—as the Chief of Defence Staff put it, “We are moving in the right direction.”