Can General Musa be Nigeria’s last hope for security renewal?

Nigeria stands at a tipping point, where insecurity threatens the very foundations of national stability and erodes public confidence in government authority. Last month, the country experienced some of its bloodiest days as terrorists and bandits unleashed violence on defenseless citizens across the Northeast, Northwest and NorthCentral regions.

In response to this urgent reality, President Bola Tinubu declared a nationwide security emergency, authorising the police and army to recruit additional personnel. He also ordered the withdrawal of officers from VIP protection units for redeployment to conflict zones.

The President also nominated retired General Christopher Gwabin Musa—the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff—as the new Minister of Defence. This nomination is far more than a routine political transition; it signals the government’s intent to confront insecurity with competence, clarity, and unwavering resolve.

General CG.Musa enters the role with a fieldtested reputation. His understanding of Nigeria’s security architecture is shaped by years of direct engagement in the country’s most volatile conflict zones. Before rising to Chief of Defence Staff, he played pivotal roles in the fight against Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), commanding key formations in the northeast. His leadership in Operation Hadin Kai earned widespread recognition for improving operational discipline, strengthening interagency collaboration, and weakening insurgent networks that once operated with near impunity.

As Chief of Defence Staff, Musa became known for his bluntness—a quality Nigerians often say they desire but rarely see in security leadership. He repeatedly warned that Nigeria must cut off the financial lifelines fuelling insurgency, stressing that terrorism thrives not only on ideology but also on steady funding streams, illicit supply routes, and porous borders.

While some critics argue that Musa’s approach is too tough or uncompromising, supporters counter that his firmness reflects the reality Nigerians face daily: communities under siege, unsafe highways, and families mourning needless deaths caused by armed criminals emboldened by years of leniency. “Peace cannot be negotiated with those who reject peace,” he once said—a statement that resonated strongly with citizens tired of dialogue that produces no meaningful results.

As Defence Minister designate, expectations are high. Nigeria stands to benefit from Musa’s mastery of counterinsurgency operations, his experience managing joint military commands, and his insistence on accountability within the security system. If granted the political backing and operational freedom required, his leadership could strengthen the armed forces, close critical security gaps, and intensify pressure on insurgents, bandits, and violent criminals across the country.

At the same time, Nigerians expect him to balance force with reform—addressing longstanding issues such as troop welfare, interagency rivalry, equipment deficits, intelligence lapses, and the need to rebuild community trust in the security forces. Strengthening intelligencegathering and surveillance systems is essential to combat terrorism and banditry, while partnerships with regional and global security agencies must be reinforced. Emphasizing innovation and technology—such as advanced surveillance, AIdriven threat analysis, and regional cooperation—will be crucial, as these measures can make guerrilla warfare more predictable and hold attackers more accountable.

The nation hopes his appointment ushers in a new era where courage meets strategy, firmness meets accountability, and leadership meets the urgent need for national renewal. In a time of deep insecurity, he carries the weight of public expectation and perhaps the last credible chance for a decisive turnaround.

May God guide General Christopher Gwabin Musa as he steps into a role that demands strength, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s peace and unity.

Abbah Dukawa can be reached at [email protected].

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