Regional cooperation vital in combating insecurity – CDS
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has called for intensified regional cooperation to provide robust, innovative, and unified response to current security challenges in Nigeria and across Africa.
The CDS made the remarks on Tuesday in a lecture he delivered to students of Senior Course 47 and Junior Course 99 of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC) Jaji.
Musa’s lecture was titled: ‘Nigeria’s Security and Defence: My Leadership Concept For The Armed Forces Of Nigeria’.
According to him, collective responses and fighting together with allied countries was crucial to ending the recurring security challenges in the continent.
The CDS stated that having a united front in addressing insecurity was what made Nigeria and its neighbours a strong force, which ought to be maintained because the threats do not respect borders, brothers, or individuals.
“Nigeria has a significant role in promoting unity and peace in Africa, and working together with all the African countries, we all can achieve greatness,” Musa said.
The CDS told the students that his command philosophy for the Nigerian Armed Forces was people-centric approach, prioritising troops’ welfare, and deepening jointness and collaboration.
He said as future military leaders, they must lead by example, uphold integrity, discipline, and courage, adding that leadership was about service, sacrifice, and inspiring others.
Musa said the evolving security landscape in Nigeria require innovation, technology, and skills improvement, adding that no single service or agency can tackle the challenges alone.
“Collaboration among services and agencies is necessary. Strengthening partnerships with regional and international allies is also crucial for success. Dedication, ingenuity, and unity of purpose can help Nigeria overcome challenges,” the CDS said.
Musa charged the students to be change-makers, leading with vision, empathy, and resilience.
He said that their focus must be to build an armed forces capable of defending the nation and addressing emerging threats, where collective effort and cooperation were essential for success.
Earlier, the Commandant of AFCSC, AVM Hassan Alhaji, said Nigeria overcame numerous challenges since its creation, including a devastating civil war from 1967 to 1970.
He said that in spite of these obstacles, the country has remained standing because of the sacrifices of the armed forces.
The commandant hailed the CDS for the crucial role he has been playing to secure Nigeria, adding that Musa has been demonstrating exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and diplomacy which has manifested to significant improvement in national security.
“The chief of defence staff is a firm believer in the importance of international cooperation. He has increased the number of spots for international students in Nigeria’s military training programmes. Soon, students from Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar will join the programme,” Alhaji said.
On the lecture, the commandant said it was a call to action, urging the audience to do their part in supporting Nigeria’s progress.
“The chief of defence staff and service chiefs have provided the leadership and resources necessary for success,” he said.
