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Tag: Christopher Musa

  • We are coming after bandits, terrorists, vows CDS

    We are coming after bandits, terrorists, vows CDS

    The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Maj.-Gen. Christopher Musa, has said that the military will flush out bandits and terrorists from the country.

    The CDS made the commitment on Friday in Kaduna when he paid a courtesy visit to Gov. Uba Sani at government house.

    He said, “for terrorists and bandits, it’s just a matter of time. We are coming after them and we are going to get them to leave the country completely.”

    According to him, “we are re-assessing our theatres of operation to make them more robust and more result oriented.”

    He explained that the military is expanding its operation to close the gap while changing its mode of operation which could be both kinetic and non-kinetic.

    “As military officers, you must take the two operations together, deploying more troops to close the gap in other to make it more difficult for terrorists to move about freely,” he noted.

    The CDS also appealed to everyone to be security conscious and report any suspicious movements, adding that everyone has a role to play in security.

    Musa reiterated the desire to make Kaduna peaceful, following its strategic nature, and the fact that people regard Kaduna as a home to all.

    He assured that the military will come out successful from all the security and economic challenges.

    On his part, Gov. Uba Sani renewed the state government’s appeal for the prolonged stay of the Special Forces in the ongoing campaign against banditry and terrorism.

    He also requested that Operation Safe Haven in Southern Kaduna general area be expanded due to the challenges around Zangon Kataf, Kaura, Kauru and Sanga Local Government Areas (LGAs).

    He said such an expansion will go a long way in containing threats and consolidating ongoing efforts in those areas.

    The governor also noted that measures are required in the Birnin Gwari general area, to restrict bandits and terrorists from using the Kuduru, Kuyanbana and Kamuku forests as their hideouts.

    He said there is also the need to further constrict the corridors connecting Birnin Gwari with neighboring States like Zamfara, Niger and Katsina, and stop criminals from using the corridors.

    According to him, “we have stepped up efforts towards inter-state collaboration in the fight against banditry and terrorism.”

    Sani said he is in constant touch with his colleague Governors and strategies are being finetuned to deny criminal elements safe havens or hideouts in any of the neighbouring states in the North West or North Central.

    He also assured of the state government’s commitment to sustain the cordial relationship with the military.

    “Remember that you can always count on our earnest prayers, sincere support and best wishes as you lead the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” he said.

  • No terrorist, bandit, criminal should be spared – Defence Chief

    No terrorist, bandit, criminal should be spared – Defence Chief

    The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has charged operational commanders to ensure that no terrorist, bandit or any criminal is spared in their various areas of responsibility.

    Musa gave the directive at the closing of the maiden Defence Headquarters Joint Task Force Commanders Conference with the theme, “Towards Enhancing Joint Task Force Operations for National Security” on Saturday in Abuja.

    He said the charge was in line with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to the armed forces and other security agencies to deal decisively with all threats to national security.

    “I want you to remain focused, dedicated and committed towards ensuring that we achieved the mandates of the president that no terrorists, no bandits, no criminal should be spared,” he said.

    Musa said the conference had afforded them to discussed the challenges they face, shared their experiences and lessons learned, and collectively charted a course for the future.

    He expressed confidence that the knowledge gained, the relationships forged, and the ideas generated during this conference would  significantly contribute to the effectiveness and success of ongoing joint operations.

    “One of the key takeaways from our discussions has been the importance of unity of effort.

    “As commanders, it is imperative that we foster a culture of cooperation, collaboration, and synergy among our forces.

    “By breaking down barriers, sharing resources, and leveraging each other’s strengths, we can maximise our collective impact and achieve our shared objectives.

    “Let us bring this spirit of ‘jointness’ back to our respective task forces and integrate it into our daily operations.

    “Similarly, the need to reform the structures of the various operations was keenly noted and will be considered,” he said.

    Musa assured the commanders that all identified operational challenges would be addressed to ensure operational effectiveness in all theatres of operation.

    He said that the ever-evolving security landscape required the military to continuously assess and improve its strategies, tactics, and capabilities to effectively counter emerging threats.

    According to him, embracing new technologies, fostering a culture of innovation, and promoting a learning mind-set are essential for maintaining our operational edge.

    He also urged the commanders to always encourage and empower their troops to think creatively, to challenge conventional wisdom, and embrace change as they strive for continuous improvement.

    The CDS also re-emphasised the need to prioritise the welfare and professional development of personnel, adding that their greatest asset remains the human capital.

    “As commanders, we have a responsibility to ensure their well-being, provide them with the necessary resources and support, and create an environment that nurtures their growth and development.

    “Let us invest in their training, mentorship, and career progression, recognizing that their success is intricately tied to the success of our joint operations.

    “I would also like to emphasise the importance of building and maintaining strong relationships with the communities we serve.

    “The trust and support of the local population are critical in our efforts to counter insurgency, terrorism, and other security challenges.

    “We must continue to engage with community leaders, religious leaders, and other stakeholders, listening to their concerns, addressing their grievances, and involving them in the decision-making processes.

    “By doing so, we can gain valuable insights, foster cooperation, and build resilient communities that are actively involved in securing their own futures,” he added.

    Musa urged them to leave the conference with a renewed sense of purpose, a shared vision for the future, and a commitment to excellence, charging them to be bold, innovative, and proactive in their approach to national security.

    The commanders of all the DHQ led operations like the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), Operations Hadin Kai, Hadarin Daji, Safe Haven, Delta Safe, Whirl Stroke and Whirl Punch, participated in the conference.