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Tag: Christopher Musa

  • Abuse of social media will not be tolerated – CDS warns

    Abuse of social media will not be tolerated – CDS warns

    The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa has said the abuse of social media, arms and drugs trafficking by the personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces will not be tolerated.

    Musa read the riot act during the passing out parade for the 87 regular recruits intake and Depot NA Centenary Celebration on Saturday in Zaria.

    The CDS, who was the Special Guest of Honor and Reviewing Officer of the parade said indiscipline would never be tolerated by the armed forces.

    According to him, recently, there were issues of personnel found trafficking arms, drugs and weapons across the nation, warning,”this must end.

    “The abuse of social media would also not be tolerated. We don’t want military operations to be broadcast on social media platforms by members of the armed forces.

    “We don’t want to expose our operations and personnel to social media because hackers and individuals that don’t mean well will take advantage of us.”

    Musa said that the armed forces have regulated the use of social media platforms by their members, warning that every member should abide by it.

    He said that the 5867 passed out recruits would be added to the fight against insecurity bedeviling many parts of the country.

    The CDS urged the new soldiers to use the training acquired once exposed to the field, respect constituted authorities and human rights of every individual.

    Musa, who said that the fight against insecurity cannot be done by the government alone, sought the support of Nigerians and other security agencies to enable them succeed.

    “If you see anything, don’t hesitate to report and action would be taken immediately,” he said.

    The CDS, who was accompanied by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt.- Gen. Olufemi Oloyede and other top brass in the armed forces, restated commitment to strengthening the depot.

    Musa said that the depot, since its establishment in 1924, has continued to produce professional soldiers for the country.

    He said, ” We are very proud of this noble institution.”

  • CDS reveals what is fuelling terrorism in Nigeria

    CDS reveals what is fuelling terrorism in Nigeria

    The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa has revealed that informants and logistics are the oxygen of terrorism in the country.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports General Musa emphasised the need to cut off the lifeline of terrorists by targeting their informants and logistical networks.

    Musa, speaking at a two-day Security and Justice Symposium in Abuja on Monday, stressed that denying insurgents access to logistics had proven effective, citing the surrender of nearly 200,000 insurgents as evidence.

    The symposium, organised by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) was in Collaboration with the British High Commission.

    Musa, who was appointed as the 18th Chief of Defence Staff of Nigeria in June 2023, highlighted the importance of comprehensive intelligence and counter-financing strategies in combating insurgency.

    He also emphasised the need for public cooperation, including providing information and support to security forces.

    The CDS noted that strategic communication with the public was crucial in combating insurgency, warning that misinformation and poor perceptions could undermine military efforts.

    He called for a creative and innovative approach to fighting insurgency, acknowledging that terrorists are relentless in their activities.

    Musa also stressed the need for international cooperation, recognising that Nigeria’s neighbours and international partners play a critical role in combating insurgency.

    He emphasised the importance of addressing the root causes of conflict, fostering accountability, and ensuring effective cooperation among stakeholders.

    Earlier, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, called for a unified approach to countering insurgency and other forms of violence.

    Ribadu emphasised the need for enhanced protection of civilians and the importance of accountability in ensuring the legitimacy of security operations.

  • Chief of Defence Staff opens up on Simon Ekpa’s arrest

    Chief of Defence Staff opens up on Simon Ekpa’s arrest

    Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has expressed happiness with the arrest and detention of the factional leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), Simon Ekpa by the Finnish authority.

    The Director of Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, made this known in a  statement on Thursday in Abuja.

    “CDS is happy with his arrest in Finland, with the hope this will be a step towards his extradition to Nigeria so that he will face justice,” he said.

    Also, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, said the CDS had always called for the arrest of Simon Ekpa following is deep involvement in fueling terrorism in South East Nigeria.

    “We are delighted about his arrest, and glad that the international community is partnering with Nigeria in our fight against terrorism,” he added.

    Recall that the military had in March declared 97 persons wanted for terrorism, violent extremism and secessionist threats against the country.

    Among those declared wanted is Simon Ekpa, who is based in Finland but is believed to be behind the insecurity in the South-east region The news of Ekpa’s arrest in Finland broke on Thursday quoting Finnish local newspapers.

  • We will capture bandit leader, Bello Turji soon – CDS Musa

    We will capture bandit leader, Bello Turji soon – CDS Musa

    The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has vowed to ensure that the notorious terrorist and bandit leader ,Bello Turji is captured soon.

    Musa gave the assurance while briefing newsmen on the operations of the military across the country on Tuesday in Abuja.

    He said: Turji’s capture is imminent”.

    On the alleged imposition of levy on communities by the terrorist kingpin, the CDS said the military was working with other security agencies and the state government to provided adequate protection for the citizens.

    He called on the communities to support the military and ther security agencies to be able to protect them, adding that the cooperation of the people remained key to defeating the adversaries.

    “On the issue of Turji, like I said, it is just a deranged individual that feels power, but I can bet you that it is just a matter of time.

    “We are going to get him and I can assure you within the shortest possible time, we are going to address that issue.

    “That is why we all must come together to work with members of the armed forces and security agencies to deny them the ability to move freely within our communities.

    “Please do not give them any support. Do not give them information on the movement of troops because this is what is really happening.

    “Most of the area where this thing is continuing is because we have informants within the communities.

    “I have always reminded Nigerians that asymmetric warfare is something that should not be allowed to commence because once it is done, it is a very difficult operation.

    “You are dealing with non-state actors that are not wearing uniform, you don’t know them, but they know you.

    “And within the communities, if you don’t have the support of the community, it makes it extremely very difficult,” he said.

    Musa assured Nigerians that the armed forces would continue to lead other security agencies to leverage on their strengths to be able to move further to be able to rid the country of security threats.

    “Our intention is to make sure that life returns to normalcy in Nigeria. It is a work for all of us together, including members of the press,” he added.

  • Why Nigerians should assist us in fight against insecurity – CDS

    Why Nigerians should assist us in fight against insecurity – CDS

    The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, has said security is everybody’s business, urging Nigerians to provide the necessary information that would aid security officials’ operations. Musa said this on Saturday in Abuja while delivering his address at the 48th Annual National Conference of the Muslim Elders Association of Nigeria.

    The Convention had the theme: “Making Living Worthwhile For All: Islamic Solutions to Economic and Security Challenges”. The association was created to promote peace, foster brotherhood, enhance leadership values, education and humanitarian services. Represented by Maj. Gen. Shuab Bashir, the CDS further said that collaboration with relevant agencies would aid the quest to address the economic and security challenges in the country.

    ”Security is everybody’s business; everyone must be involved. It should not be left to the security agencies alone. People must give us useful information,” he said.

    While corroborating the position of the CDS, the representative of the Police Commissioner in the FCT, Mr Uba Alkali, said that effective security required the collective efforts of all citizens.

    “Security is everyone’s responsibility. I urge you all to work with the Police to serve humanity,” he said.

  • CDS warns journalists against giving publicity to protesters

    CDS warns journalists against giving publicity to protesters

    General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence of Staff (CDS), has urged the media to stop giving undue publicity to the protests by some groups.

    “I noticed that all the stations were hooked up to the protests the other day. The media should not do this. This is not an election,” Musa told newsmen on Friday in Abuja.

    He was reacting to the nationwide protests declared by some groups said to be protesting against economic hardship in the country. The protests started on Thursday.

    “We don’t give them that coverage for them to feel. Some people just want to be on the screen.

    “They are a bunch of people who believe it is only through the protest that they will be able to loot, steal, and destroy,” he said.

    The CDS confirmed that most of the individuals causing chaos during the protests had been arrested, and assured the public of the continued support from the police and military.

    He said that phone numbers would be made available to members of the public to report any suspicious activity.

    Musa said that government had shown its commitment to allowing people to associate freely without restrictions.

    “The only snag is that the protests have degenerated. We are disappointed  with the outcome of the protests.

    “The security forces, especially the Nigeria Police Force, have shown a lot of professionalism, including where members of the armed forces had to step in.

    “We have remained professional in our conduct and will continue to do so as long as the citizens understand the difference between peace and criminality.”

    Musa described the initial phase of the protest as peaceful, but regretted that it was quickly taken over by criminals.

    He urged Nigerians to understand that the federal government is doing its best to address the country’s economic and security challenges.

  • CDS, IGP deny aiding, abetting activities of illegal miners

    CDS, IGP deny aiding, abetting activities of illegal miners

    The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, and the Inspector General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, have denied suggestions that their personnel provide security for illegal miners in the country.

    The duo made the denial  at a public hearing convened by the House of Representatives Committee on Mineral Resources.

    The hearing, which was conducted on Thursday in Abuja, was coordinated by Rep. Jonathan Gaza, chairman of the committee.

    The security chiefs were  responding to a query by the Committee that the members of the armed forces and the police were providing security for illegal miners.

    The committee had based its stance on “reliable reports”.

    According to the CDS, represented by the Director of Operations, Defence Headquarters, AVM Nnaemeka Ilo, army personnel only provide protection for legitimate requests made by legitimate miners, who operate in conflict-inflicted areas.

    He said the armed forces of Nigeria was ever ready to give all the necessary support needed to stop illegal mining.

    “It is not our primary duty, but part of our responsibility is that whenever the civil authority tasks us to do something, we have to do that.

    “So, for the Armed Forces to be here, it shows we are ready to support the agencies involved in stopping illegal mining, including the civil defence, police and the ministry.”

    He dismissed insinuation of supporting illegal miners as ”simply untrue”.

    “If there is any such allegations, please we would want to know which of the mines, or who brought the allegations so that we would take it up from there.

    “If there is any such allegation, we want to know who brought that up, but as it is, that is a lie, sir.

    “Legitimate requests are made for the military to give protection to legitimate miners that licence have been issued to, in conflict-inflicted areas.

    “Once we get such requests, what we normally do is to write to the Ministry of Mines.

    “In fact, we direct them to send their letters to the Ministry of Mines. So, if the Ministry of Mines requests us, because of the nature of the environment, because of the conflict, we do sometimes give protection.”

    He, however, said that such protection was limited to those people licensed by the government to carry out mining activities from the Ministry of Mines, based on requests from the ministry.”

    Also, the Inspector General of Police, who was represented by AIG Ademola Hamzat, said no responsible organisation paid by the public would do anything that would be against the wish of the people.

    He said the police often provide security  to some individuals established to be under serious threat, especially in crisis areas.

    “But, from my own office, there is nothing to show that we protect any illegal mining site,” he said.

  • Military will not interfere with Nigeria’s democracy – CDS

    Military will not interfere with Nigeria’s democracy – CDS

    Gen. Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, says the military is happy and better under democracy, hence will  not act against a democratically elected government.

    Musa said this during his operational visit and inauguration of facilities at Headquarters 6 Division of the  Nigeria Army, in Port Harcourt on Thursday.

    He emphasised that the country’s democracy was achieved through great efforts, saying calls  for a military intervention by some Nigerians were unpatriotic.

    “People making such calls for a military takeover do not love Nigeria. We want to make it clear that the Armed Forces of Nigeria is here to protect democracy.

    “We all want democracy; we do better during democracy, and so, the armed forces will continue to support democracy,” he said.

    According to him,  those advocating a coup d’état  are adversaries, who do not have the country’s best interests at heart.

    “Anybody calling for anything other than democracy is evil and does not wish us well.

    “We can see that with democracy a lot of things are happening in Nigeria. Yes, we are going through a trying period, but in life, nothing is 100 per cent.

    “Everybody (country) went through trying periods, and it is what you do with them (that matters),” he added.

    The military chief stated that the government had initiated actionable measures to address the array of challenges facing Nigerians.

    He emphasized that instead of calling for a military takeover, all citizens should rally behind the government to resolve the present circumstances.

    “It is when you go through difficulties, and you come out of it better, that you will truly appreciate what it is to build a nation.

    “The country is going through its trying period, but I can assure Nigerians that the situation will get better.

    “All we need is to unite and work together to defeat enemies of the government and country, those  who do not want us to succeed,” he stated.

    Musa pledged the military’s loyalty to the government,adding the armed forces would preserve peace and order in the country.

  • Why we destroy vessels used in crude oil theft – CDS

    Why we destroy vessels used in crude oil theft – CDS

    Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa has disclosed reasons why security forces destroy vessels used in siphoning Nigeria’s crude oil.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports General Musa made the disclosure when Service Chiefs appeared before the House of Representatives at plenary on a sectoral debate on Tuesday in Abuja.

    The House had invited the Service Chiefs for a briefing aimed at combating the surging insecurity challenges in the country.

    Those present included the Chief of Defense Staff; the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja; and the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogala.

    Others were the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, and the Inspector General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun.

    In his submission, Musa blamed the judiciary for releasing arrested Boko Haram suspects after being arrested by the military.

    “I have been in the Northeast; there were a lot of Boko Haram elements that have been captured. We have kept them for five/six years. We the armed forces can arrest but cannot prosecute.

    “Some of them have been found wanting, but no prosecution.

    “We are keeping them for this lengthy period, everyone is accusing the Armed forces in keeping them against their human rights, but we cannot prosecute.

    “Another aspect of the judiciary is that you use all your efforts to make an arrest, you hand them over, and before you enter your vehicle, the man has been released on bail.

    “Now you have risked yourself in doing that; by the time he is released, he goes to tell the people the person that arrested him. Now your family members or you are at risk,” Musa disclosed.

    He said it was getting to a state where the security forces would not want to make any effort.

    ”We have the issue in the South-South, the last ship that was arrested, was arrested 10 years ago; the ship went and changed its name, changed its colour and came back again.

    ”By the time they handed over the ship and before you know it, it is released,” according to him, stressing that this is an area that must be looked into.

    “We must have a special court to look into it. That is why we arrest and destroy them because the longer we keep them, it becomes a problem,” said the CDS.

    Musa said they often come under pressure to release them.

    He said that at the moment, about 140,000 terrorists have surrendered and are awaiting disarmament, assuring that there is no single territory currently being occupied by Boko Haram insurgents.

    Musa said the activities of Simon Ekpa, the Spokesperson of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) currently hiding in Finland, were doing a lot of damage to the Southeast region of the country.

    He alleged that Ekpa was being protected by Finland, adding that there is a need for the government to engage the government of Finland and possibly invite its ambassador to Nigeria.

    Musa said that while the military and other security agencies in the country were doing their very best to ensure that there is peace in the Southeast region, the comments and activities of Ekpa were sabotaging such efforts.

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taureed Lagbaja, highlighted some of the challenges facing the Nigerian Army, which include funding, logistics, and manpower.

    On his part, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, said the major challenges facing the Nigerian Air Force in the conduct of air operations include the rising cost of aviation fuel.

    Others include delay in the release of funding, complexity in targeting, porous borders and manpower disposition.

    The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, urged the House of Representatives to ensure adequate appropriations for the service to acquire resources to enable it to achieve its mandate.

    Ogalla said the resources were basically required in terms of fleet renewal, aircraft and support facilities.

    “The Navy is just about 30,000 for now. We are making efforts to expand the size of the navy and train them adequately to be able to meet its objectives.

    “With adequate support, we should be able to tackle activities of oil theft, pipeline vandalism and illegal refineries, irrespective of the weather. “

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, had earlier said they are focusing on security given the unprecedented challenges of the past decade.

    Abbas said that over the last few years, the country has made significant progress in tackling insecurity through improved investment by the federal government.

    He commended the gallantry and professionalism of servicemen and women, while saluting the courage of the armed forces and law enforcement personnel.

    The speaker emphasised that an appearance in person by all invited heads of MDAs was required throughout this sectoral briefing.

    He added that the House would not accept proxy representation for any reason whatsoever, adding that notices were sent well in advance to forestall any excuses.

  • INSECURITY: Military men fed N1500 per day – CDS

    INSECURITY: Military men fed N1500 per day – CDS

    Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa has disclosed that Nigerian military men, including himself are fed N1500 per person per day.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports General Musa made the disclosure while briefing members of the House of Representatives on Tuesday in Abuja.

    While demanding more funding for military operations, Musa said troops have been ordered to be offensive rather than defensive.

    The Chief of Defence Staff stressed troops have been warned to be on their best behaviour, and that those found guilty will be court-martialed and dealt with.