Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, Mr Musa, has warned that individuals engaging in activities detrimental to the government and sovereignty of Nigeria will be considered enemies of the state. He made this statement on Tuesday at the General Assembly of the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State. The event, themed “Kebbi 2025: Strengthening Community Collaboration for Lasting Peace and Security in Northern Nigeria,” aimed to address the region’s pressing security challenges.
Musa reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity and urged citizens to unite in maintaining peace and stability. He commended the Sultan of Sokoto and other northern traditional rulers for their role in promoting unity and stability, emphasizing the importance of their collaboration with security agencies.
The Chief of Defence Staff stressed that peace and security cannot be enforced but rather built through trust, dialogue, and cooperation among communities, security agencies, and civil society groups. He authorized members of the armed forces to take decisive action against criminals threatening lives and property, assuring Nigerians that the military remains committed to protecting democracy.
Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, echoed Musa’s sentiments, urging Nigerians to support the military rather than criticize them. He announced that the assembly would issue a communiqué to be presented to northern governors at their forthcoming meeting in Kaduna State. The Sultan also warned against the spread of false information on social media, calling for regulation to prevent unrest.
Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Atiku Bagudu, commended security agencies for their sacrifices and noted that President Bola Tinubu has prioritized funding for national development and security. Gov. Nasir Idris of Kebbi praised traditional rulers for their contribution to strengthening security, peace, and unity in the country.
The event brought together traditional rulers, senior government officials, security chiefs, and community leaders to discuss strategies for lasting peace and security in the region. With Nigeria facing various security challenges, the gathering underscored the need for collaborative efforts to address these issues and ensure the country’s stability and development.