Be ready to respond to threats, Defence Minister charge troops

Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd), says there is a need for continuous vigilance and round-the-clock readiness by the military to respond to threats affecting Nigeria or its regional partners.

The retired four-star General also commended members of the Armed Forces for their rapid intervention during the botched coup in the Republic of Benin, last Sunday, saying their prompt response contributed to its failure.

Musa, who stated this when spoke at the Army Officers’ Mess, Abuja, venue for the decoration ceremony of newly promoted senior officers of the Nigerian Army, also emphasised stronger joint operations among the security agencies.

Daily Trust reports that the attempted coup in Benin Republic unfolded in the early hours of Sunday.

Their attack was repelled, forcing the plotters to shift tactics.

They later stormed the Office de Radiodiffusion et Télévision du Bénin, seized the national broadcast station and attempted to take control of the state signal.

Subsequently, their efforts to topple the government ultimately failed.

Speaking on the Nigerian military’s intervention, Musa said, “Let me at this juncture commend members of the Armed Forces for their swift and professional response to the attempted coup in the Republic of Benin last Sunday.

“Your prompt action helped ensure that the coup failed. This is the standard Nigerians expect, and you must always be ready 24/7 to respond to threats against our nation or our allies,” he said.

The minister stressed that no arm of the military could succeed in isolation, adding that effective national security depends on seamless cooperation among the Army, Navy, Air Force and other security agencies.

According to him, “Jointness and inter-service cooperation are indispensable. These challenges are Nigerian challenges, and we must confront them together with unity of purpose.

“Nigerians are watching all of us. They demand results—and time is of the essence. We must therefore do things differently and more effectively.”

Speaking earlier, the Chief of Army Staff, Waidi Shaibu, a Lieutenant-General, said Nigeria plays a crucial role in safeguarding the stability of the West African region.

He noted that the country must continue to support efforts to deter violent extremism, secure borders and protect democratic governance.

Shaibu reminded the newly promoted officers that the Army remains central to Nigeria’s constitutional order and that their decisions will have direct implications for national security.

He said, “Permit me to also emphasise the crucial role Nigeria plays in safeguarding the stability of the West African sub-region.

“We must continue to support regional efforts to deter violent extremism, secure our shared borders and uphold democratic governance. The peace of individual nations directly contributes to the stability of our region.

“The Nigerian Army remains the cornerstone of national stability and constitutional order. Our loyalty to the Commander-in-Chief, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the Nigerian people must remain unwavering.”

He urged the officers to adopt strategic foresight, improve preparedness and strengthen operational leadership.

To those who were not promoted, he encouraged patience and dedication, noting that progression in the military is based on merit and consistency.

Shaibu emphasized that expectations of the Army remained high, saying frontline troops must feel the impact of senior officers’ leadership and that the public must continue to see the military as a force for stability.

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