Nigeria’s immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, Retired Gen. Christopher Musa, urged soldiers to stay committed to national security, describing the nation as worth fighting for. He made this appeal during an emotional Pulling‑Out Parade held in his honour in Abuja on Friday, which marked the end of his 39‑year military career.
Reflecting on his remarkable journey, the retired general said that serving the nation had been 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, and 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—especially 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 affirmed 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 is 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. He recognised the contributions of other security bodies, 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 drive the military’s efforts. Musa reiterated his commitment to Nigeria’s sovereignty, stating that he will continue to serve in whatever way he can 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.
Comments are closed for this story.