Turning the security tide
The landscape of national security is rarely a place for the faint-hearted, and for a nation like Nigeria, embattled for over a decade by the hydra-headed monsters of insurgency and
- By Kennedy Elaigwu Awodi
The landscape of national security is rarely a place for the faint-hearted, and for a nation like Nigeria, embattled for over a decade by the hydra-headed monsters of insurgency and banditry, the leadership at the Ministry of Defence is the fulcrum upon which our collective survival swings. Today, as we navigate the complexities of 2026, one figure stands as a beacon of strategic grit and quiet efficiency: Christopher Musa (rtd).
Stepping into the role of Minister of Defence after a storied career as the Chief of Defence Staff, General Musa has not just inherited a portfolio; he has inherited a mandate of restoration. In the middle of daunting economic headwinds and the asymmetric nature of modern warfare, his tenure has become a testament to the power of continuity, innovation, and an unwavering belief in the Nigerian spirit.
However, the path to peace is often paved with the ultimate sacrifice. On April 9, the nation woke to the somber news of a coordinated terrorist attack on the 29 Task Force Brigade camp in Beni sheikh, Borno State. While the military successfully repelled the assault, it came at a staggering price: the loss of Brigadier-General Oseni Omoh Braimah and several other gallant soldiers.
In the wake of this tragedy, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took to his official channels to address a grieving nation and a resolute military. His words served as both a balm and a battle cry: “From the reports I have received, our armed forces have been conducting sustained, intense land and air offensives against the insurgents, neutralizing many terrorist fighters and commanders. The insurgents’ counterattack is a sign of desperation. I extend my condolences to the families of our gallant soldiers, led by Brigadier-General Oseni Omoh Braimah, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the defence of our country in Borno State. The government will never forget their sacrifices. Their sacrifices will not be in vain. Because of the courage and dedication of our troops on the frontline, our resolve to defeat terrorism and all forms of violence across Nigeria is stronger than ever.”
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General Musa, echoing the president’s sentiment, has described such losses as “worrisome” but ultimately “part of the heavy consequences of service to the motherland.” His approach, however, goes beyond mere rhetoric. The minister has emphasized that the ultimate goal is to ensure that troops receive every necessary technological and tactical assistance to ensure such incidents do not recur. He views these attacks not as a failure of strategy, but as the “dying kicks of a decapitated beast” reacting to the immense pressure of the current administration’s “Renewed Hope” security agenda.
In recent months, the Nigerian military has moved from a reactive posture to a clinical, precision-led offensive. The first quarter of 2026 alone has recorded sweeping operational gains. Specifically, the operation on March 9, which resulted in the “decapitation” of high-ranking Boko Haram leadership, serves as a masterclass in fusion intelligence. By neutralizing 45 key terrorist figures in a single sweep, the ministry has disrupted the logistical coordination of the insurgents in the Northeast.
Simultaneously, in the Northwest, the offensive against bandits has intensified. Troops have successfully neutralized scores of criminal elements, leading to the arrest of over 1,300 suspects and the rescue of more than 800 kidnapped victims in just the last three months. These are not just statistics; they represent mothers returned to their children and farmers returned to their ancestral lands.
Central to General Musa’s success is the synergy between the ministry and the presidency. Musa often reflects on President Tinubu’s determination as a “force multiplier.” This political will has enabled the ministry to push for the acquisition of advanced hardware, including T-129 ATAK helicopters, and to challenge institutions like the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) to pioneer home-grown defence solutions.
President Tinubu’s charge to the troops remains the guiding light for the ministry’s current trajectory: “I urge the Military High Command and our troops in all theatres of operation: Do not lose heart, do not be weary, do not be discouraged. Our officers and men should continue to serve with honour, courage, and patriotism. The government will always stand by the Armed Forces.”
History teaches us that insurgency is never defeated by bullets alone, but by a marriage of military might and public trust. General Musa is currently overseeing what experts call the “Colombianization” of Nigeria’s security architecture, making it so efficient and pervasive that criminal elements find no room to breathe, similar to how Colombia eventually succeeded over FARC.
Like General Gerald Templer during the Malayan Emergency, Musa understands that the answer lies in the “hearts and minds” of the people. This is why he has prioritized the “Safe Schools Initiative,” earning accolades from the National Parent Teachers Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN). Defence is no longer just about the front lines; it is about protecting the future of our children in their places of learning.
The final piece of the puzzle lies in the hearts of 200 million Nigerians. As the president noted in his address: “I urge Nigerians and the media to continue to support our military in their relentless battle against insurgency and banditry. We should desist from celebrating or condoning the attacks against our troops. These soldiers are our heroes; unforgettable and irreplaceable.”
As citizens, our contribution must be twofold. First, we must support our troops with earnest prayers to bolster the psychological burden of command. Second, we must be the “eyes and ears” of the state. Intelligence sharing is the greatest weapon against a bandit hiding in plain sight.
In the domain of strategic governance, the efficacy of leadership is fundamentally measured by the ability to provide stable direction during periods of national exigency. In this regard, the tenure of General CG Musa (Retired) stands as a testament to exemplary service, characterized by a commitment that has consistently surpassed the benchmarks expected by the Nigerian citizenry.
•Awodi wrote from North Carolina, USA. Email: awodiken@outlook.com
