Nigeria’s immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, Retired Gen. Christopher Musa, has urged soldiers to remain committed to national security, describing the nation as worth fighting for. Musa made this call during an emotional Pulling-Out Parade in his honour, held in Abuja on Friday, marking the end of his 39-year military career.

The retired general reflected on his remarkable journey, stating that his service to the nation was the greatest honour of his life. He expressed deep gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, who appointed him to the position in 2023, for the trust and opportunity to serve. Musa also acknowledged the support of his fellow military leaders and the Nigerian people in maintaining national security.

During the ceremony, Musa paid tribute to his family, particularly his wife and children, who he said had borne the brunt of his long absences and constant concerns for his safety. He described them as the “unsung heroes” of his service and expressed his debt of love to them.

Musa urged the men and women of the armed forces to continue serving with dedication, loyalty, and professionalism, stressing that the Nigerian military’s victory was not temporary but enduring. He called for greater unity and collaboration among Nigeria’s security agencies, emphasizing that no single institution can win the fight against insecurity alone.

The retired general acknowledged the contributions of other security agencies, including the Nigerian Police, the Department of State Services, and the Nigerian Intelligence Agency, whose support he said was crucial to the military’s successes. He also thanked the Nigerian people for their resilience, particularly the nation’s youth, whose prayers and belief in a better future were the driving forces behind the military’s efforts.

Musa reiterated his commitment to the sovereignty of Nigeria, stating that he would continue to serve in whatever way he could, even after the end of his active service. The ceremony marked a significant milestone in Musa’s career, and his words of encouragement and appreciation are expected to resonate with the Nigerian military and the nation at large.