Insecurity: There’re gaps within armed forces – Gen. Musa

The new Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, said on Wednesday that there are still gaps within the armed forces militating against efforts to successfully tackle the challenges of insecurity in the country.

He stated this in Abuja during an intense four-hour screening before the Senate, where he was confirmed following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s request to the upper chamber to appoint the former Chief of Defence Staff as a replacement for Abubakar Badaru, who recently resigned from the position.

The retired general, who outlined his strategic vision for revitalising Nigeria’s security architecture, pledged swift action to curb nationwide insecurity and restore public confidence in the armed forces.

He said, “We can win this war, but we must work together. We must get the support because I can tell you, there are still a lot of gaps within the armed forces; that is also militating against them being able to fully achieve success in what we’re doing.

“And like I said, we need the state governors; we need everyone to be on board for us to be able to achieve that.”

During the session, he also assured lawmakers and citizens that visible improvements would be recorded within a short period once he assumes office.

He said, “I want to assure Nigerians that coming on board, having served 39 years all through my career in the armed forces, we have seen what is going on, we have understood what is going on, and we know what we need.

“All I’m appealing, Sir, is that with your approval, once we come on stream, we’re going to come back to you, Sir, to show you exactly what we need for us to do better, for us to achieve success.”

He declared that “Nigerians must not be killed for any reason.”

In his passionate remarks during the question-and-answer session, General Musa said safeguarding lives would be his first priority.

“We must stop the killings. Nigerians must not be killed for whatever reason. Farmers should go back to their farms, our children must not be scared of their schools, and Nigeria must return to how it used to be,” he said.

He requested a closed-door briefing with the Senate three weeks after assuming office to present a security roadmap and outline required support.

Musa acknowledged the presence of saboteurs within the system but assured that the military already has mechanisms for identifying and prosecuting errant personnel.

“There will always be the good, the bad, and the ugly. Once we identify the bad ones, we take action. Court-martials across the country handle such offences,” he said.

He also backed the re-engagement of retired military personnel, describing them as an untapped reservoir of experience and national investment.

No negotiation with criminals

General Musa also warned against negotiating with terrorists and bandits, saying troops are empowered to act decisively once deployed.

“If any personnel tells you he is waiting for an order before defending himself, his colleagues, or the community, he is lying. The order is automatic,” he declared firmly.

Musa highlighted the high cost of modern warfare, noting that Nigeria must plan realistically. He cited examples such as a drone missile costing about $100,000 (roughly N150 million), and the enormous fuel consumption of naval vessels.

Despite these challenges, he emphasised that improved intelligence and community collaboration could dramatically enhance operations.

“When you see something and report, action is taken, and we get results. Intelligence is critical,” he said.

The general also identified social media as a major disruptor, saying it affects the professionalism of the armed forces and requires careful handling.

Musa further promised that his experience and that of his team would translate to meaningful progress. “We are fully committed. Within the shortest possible time, Nigerians will see that change. The trust they have in us will not be betrayed,” he said.

Brig-Gen Uba’s killing to be probed

Gen. Musa also vowed to launch a full-scale investigation into the killing of Brigadier General Uba, describing the incident as unacceptable and a painful reflection of gaps within the nation’s security architecture.

Speaking passionately about the recent abduction and public display of General Uba by terrorists, Musa said the incident was an embarrassment to the nation and the military.

“It is very unfortunate for a brigade commander to be captured and shown the way they did. It’s painful. We will not stand by and see terrorists have the capacity to do such,” he said.

He assured senators and Nigerians that the military, in collaboration with security agencies and oversight committees, would get to the root of the matter.

Gen. Musa emphasised that both the Senate and the armed forces had initiated inquiries, stressing that no act of indolence or cowardice among personnel would be tolerated.

“We are going to investigate fully. No indolence, no act of cowardice will be entertained. Commanders and troops must be professional,” he stated.

He noted that several questions must be answered, including why the abducted general seemed to be without adequate troop protection.

Gen. Musa also expressed concern over repeated attacks in areas like Maga shortly after troops vacated, describing it as “unacceptable.” He said all those found culpable in security lapses would face the law.

He highlighted his years of military experience, stating that he understands the depth of Nigeria’s security challenges and what is required to fix them.

“We know what we need. From day one, we will monitor and review all operations. Where things have gone wrong, we will correct them,” he assured.

Musa pledged strict oversight of military activities, improved intelligence handling, and rapid operational response.

On the issue of alleged Christian genocide in the country, Gen. Musa said both Christians and Muslims were being killed by terrorists, stressing that the killings would soon come to an end.

The former Chief of Defence Staff said Nigeria can win the war against terrorists and bandits, but only with full cooperation across all levels of government.

“We need state governors. We need everyone on board to succeed,” he emphasized. He also stressed the crucial role of funding, echoing concerns raised by Senate leaders.

“Without proper funding, it will be extremely difficult. But we will ensure every resource is used to bring peace,” he said.

Gen. Musa concluded by assuring Nigerians that once he assumes office, he will return to the Senate with a clear roadmap of requirements for success. “We can win this war. Our children will be safe. Nigeria will have peace—but we must all work together,” he said.

Rowdy session

Meanwhile, the Senate erupted into a rowdy session on Wednesday after a sharp disagreement broke out among lawmakers over an attempt to excuse Gen. Musa from questioning during his screening.

The commotion began when Senator Sani Musa (APC, Niger East) proposed that the nominee be asked to “take a bow and go,” a gesture usually reserved for former lawmakers or eminent personalities. But his suggestion instantly triggered a backlash across the chamber.

Several senators rose to their feet, shouting in protest and insisting that the defence minister-designate must be thoroughly scrutinised, especially given the worsening security situation in the country. The uproar momentarily halted proceedings as the chamber descended into disorder.

As tensions escalated, Senate President Godswill Akpabio intervened, firmly ruling that Gen. Musa must face full questioning. He stressed that the sensitivity of the defence portfolio required no shortcuts.

Reps ask FG to treat border security as national emergency

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives on Wednesday asked the federal government to treat border security as a national emergency and called for the deployment of modern technologies and physical deterrents as part of measures to address the escalating security problems in the country.

The House particularly called for the deployment of technologies such as drones, biometric systems, sensors, satellite imagery, AI-enabled predictive analytics, and integrated early warning systems, alongside physical deterrents to tackle the menace across vulnerable border corridors.

This was part of the several resolutions adopted by lawmakers following two days of debates and deliberations on the rising insecurity across the country, where members raised concerns and recommended possible solutions.

On the issue of funding, the House recommended that all security expenditure should be placed on ‘First Line Charge’ to guarantee predictable and timely funding, and that all approved security budgets must be fully and promptly disbursed.

In recognition of the established link between cash-based economies and the financing of terrorism, banditry, ransom payments, and other criminal enterprises, the House recommended a phased strengthening of cashless transaction frameworks nationwide.

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