A coalition representing northern Nigerian youths has disowned a recent call for the removal of Defence Minister Christopher Musa, stating the individual who made the appeal does not speak for the broader community.
The Coalition of Arewa Youths for Peace and Security issued a statement signed by its President, Dr. Mohammed Jallo, and Secretary, Hajiya Zainab Ibrahim. It condemned remarks made by a presenter who claimed to represent “Arewa Youths” and described the comments as “reckless and unwarranted.”
The coalition emphasized that the presenter “neither represents the views nor speaks for the coalition or the wider body of responsible Northern youths committed to peace and national security.” The group argued the comments demonstrated “a clear lack of understanding of Nigeria’s security architecture and the collective efforts” of the armed forces.
The statement rejected portrayals of Minister Musa, a retired general and former Chief of Defence Staff, as a “sleeping minister,” calling this a “gross misrepresentation.” It pointed to Musa’s record in coordinating joint military operations against terrorism, insurgency, and banditry as evidence of active leadership.
Furthermore, the coalition stated that Nigeria’s security challenges cannot be attributed to a single individual, noting that defeating terrorism requires a coordinated national effort and responsible public discourse. It warned that “reckless accusations and emotional rhetoric only embolden enemies of the state.”
The group urged Nigerians to disregard the presenter’s claims and called for continued support for the Armed Forces and Ministry of Defence in their efforts to restore peace and stability across the country. The disavowal underscores ongoing efforts by some northern civil society groups to assert a constructive, security-focused narrative in contrast to more critical or sensationalist voices.
