U.S. Navy Adm. Christopher W. Grady, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, meets with General Christopher Musa, Chief of the Defense Staff of Nigeria, at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., January 19, 2024. (DOD photo by Staff Sgt. Alexander Nieves)
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has issued a stern warning to communities in conflict-prone regions, urging them to cease all forms of trading or transactions with terrorists, bandits, and other non-state actors.
General Musa, speaking on Wednesday during a visit to the Defence Headquarters Medical Centre as part of his Christmas and birthday celebrations, condemned the actions of some individuals whom he described as “unpatriotic.” He lamented that such dealings undermine the military’s efforts to combat insecurity across the nation.
“I want to call on those who think they are making money by trading with terrorists and bandits. These groups have no respect for anyone. Once you engage with them, they may target you or your loved ones,” he warned.
He added, “If we do not encourage or trade with them, they will not survive. That is the critical point we need to understand.”
Reflecting on the roots of Nigeria’s security challenges, Musa expressed regret that terrorism was not addressed decisively in its early stages, allowing it to escalate. “The mistakes made in the past when terrorism and banditry began were that we did not nip it in the bud. But thank God, everyone is now coming together to tackle the issue,” he noted.
The CDS praised the growing support from Nigerians, highlighting increased public cooperation, prayers, and valuable intelligence. He emphasized the importance of collective efforts in restoring security nationwide.
Musa assured Nigerians of the military’s commitment to achieving a peaceful and secure country by 2025. “There has been remarkable improvement in the security situation, and we are determined to take it further. Next year is a defining year for us, and we will leave no stone unturned in ensuring peace across Nigeria,” he said.
The military, he reiterated, would require the continued cooperation of citizens to sustain the gains made in the fight against terrorism and banditry.
General Musa’s remarks come amid ongoing efforts to strengthen security measures across Nigeria, with the goal of rebuilding trust and fostering national stability.
