Opinion
CDS Musa and His Exploits on War Against Insecurity
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General Christopher Gwabin Musa, OFR, has been a transformative figure in Nigeria’s military landscape since he was appointed the 18th Chief of Defence Staff in June 2023. With his dedication to duty, patriotism, and people-oriented leadership style, General Musa has successfully evolved and transformed the Nigerian Armed Forces into a world-class institution, earning recognition globally for its effectiveness in addressing national security challenges.
General Musa’s leadership has been marked by several outstanding achievements, including the successful rescue of 330 Chibok schoolgirls from Boko Haram terrorists and the accelerated amnesty program for repentant terrorists, which led to the surrender of over 47,975 terrorists and their families. He is not just reshaping the narratives but rewriting them. His fight against insurgency is model, impactful and dynamic, ever-evolving against the strategies and tactics emanating from the series of escalating security threats all over the world.
A very forward-thinking and adroit strategist, General Christopher has shown mastery, dexterity and strategic insight in eliminating internal and external security threats, by evolving strategic insightful policies and building formidable resilience in the officers and men with very high capacity military readiness and enhanced operation capability and capacity, inter-agency coordination, and enduringly sustainable international collaborations.
These fundamental and strategic policies also include the timely briefing and evolution of counter-strategies against all forms of insurgencies, criminalities against the State, terrorism, separatist tendencies and a highly formidable and robust intelligence-gathering mechanism capable of outmanoeuvring the strategies of the enemies.
His role as the overall head of the Armed Forces also bestows on him the onerous responsibility of ensuring robust, formidable and responsive joint operational and integrative efforts of the Armed Forces. This collaboration has led to improved inter and intra-agency operations and resource optimizations, elimination of duplication of efforts, confidence building and the fostering of a united front against insurgents even among sister security agencies.
Undoubtedly, General Musa’s wisdom, clout and congruence have led to various outstanding breakthroughs and victories in the areas of building the physical and social infrastructural capacities of the military, in such areas as the procurement of tools, equipment and modern sophisticated armaments, fortified and efficient state-of-the-art aerial surveillance units, and enhancement of cyber warfare capabilities.
In the area of social infrastructures, he has empowered the forces with advanced technologies and skillsets through training and strategic partnerships which is central to this objective and a very robust motivational package. All these including consistent up-to-date training of personnel have greatly enhanced the Armed Forces in discharging its roles and also addressing the evolving complexities and growing international trends in asymmetrical warfare.
General Musa’s role involves partnerships with international allies to augment Nigeria’s defensive apparatus, address capability gaps, and bolster the counterinsurgency repertoire. An apt and experienced soldier, his engagement of the minds and hearts of the insurgents, miscreants and urchins, coupled with other criminal elements with psycho-social measures has greatly led to successes in the de-radicalization programs, enhanced community engagement, and fostered socio-economic growth and development, thereby technically addressing the root causes of insurgency and discouraging recruitment into the camps of the insurgents as well reducing the allure of criminalities.
This has progressively led to efforts aimed at countering the ideologies that feed insurgencies and separatist elements, which is as critical as the physical battlefield operations. His deft diplomatic engagements and multi-sectorial and multi-national counterterrorism initiatives have led to successes in reinforcing international solidarity and showcasing Nigeria’s resolve against terrorism, effectively rallying global support for combating insurgency, participation in multi-national counterterrorism initiatives, and navigating the security implications of international relations.
At the sub-regional level, the CDS CG has increased advocacy for regional partnerships in the Lake Chad Basin and the ECOWAS region thereby solidifying collective action against shared security threats. He has also in a very tangible measure orchestrated the reformation of the Armed forces by making the Force amenable to civil governance, and evolving challenges as well as building capacity and capability to be able to navigate the complex nature of insurgencies as it relates to the undulating topography of the country.
Equally strategic is his ability to fashion out and fuse a robust strategic vision, operational oversight, and inter-agency coordination aimed at eradicating the scourge of militancy and insurgency all over the country. Through an unabated and decisive commitment to proficiency, modernization, joint task formulation, and psychological operations, he can fashion a strategic and dependably sustainable bulwark against the tide of terrorism and insurgency contending against the nation.
General Musa’s leadership has led to the evolution, and successful implementation of such operations as ‘Operation Hadin Kai,’ which was launched to replace the previous ‘Operation Lafiya Dole.’ This operation represented a shift in tactics, focusing on a doctrine that moves away from purely defensive posturing to more offensive operations aimed at decisively defeating the insurgents.
Furthermore, there is the advancement of the concept of “Super Camps,” which consolidates military presence in strategic locations, thereby giving the forces the flexibility to launch swift and precise counterinsurgency strikes and also the added value of timely re-enforcement. Such tactics have reportedly led to several successful raids on insurgent camps and the neutralization of key figures in the groups.
He has also re-enforced community partnership, through robust community engagement and intelligence gathering. Through this, there have been stronger relationships with local communities and collaboration with community leaders, the military has improved its intelligence-gathering capacities and capabilities, leading to more targeted and effective operations against insurgents.
Another strategic reform is the enhancement of inter-agencies relationship which brings together various branches of the Nigeria security apparatchik to form a formidable whole. This is in recognition of the fact that the fight against insurgency is very complex.
This integrated approach ensures that military operations are supported and complemented by the efforts of the police, intelligence services, and other security agencies. Interagency collaboration has been instrumental in disrupting the logistics networks of insurgents and curbing the flow of arms and funding to their operations.
He strongly believes that if the police can get it right the war against insurgency will be over. A strong advocate of a working police system, General Musa has advocated a stronger police force capable of addressing the needs of the citizenry. He strongly also believes that a well-equipped police is a sure panacea for getting the problem of insecurity right in Nigeria.
A man of intrinsic humility, humour, and selflessness at all times, it is generally believed that the tenure of General Musa CG, OFR, will provide the needed peace, stability and security that has escaped the nation for several decades.
**Prince is a media practitioner and writes from Abuja
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The Awujale of Ijebu Land is not merely a crown; it is a sacred trust rooted in centuries of custom, lineage, and collective consent. It is deeply alarming that, right before the beginning of the nomination process for the open stool, a single name, Abimbola Onabanjo, has been relentlessly amplified across blogs, social media, and online news platforms as the “new Awujale,” raising serious questions not just about the individual involved, but about the motivations behind such premature narratives.
More disturbing is the scale and coordination of the publicity. Media observers and social media monitors estimate that no fewer than 70 bloggers and content promoters, operating across Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter (X), including several obscure and anonymously run platforms, have circulated the same unverified reports presenting Abimbola Onabanjo as the Awujale-in-waiting, or worse, as the crowned monarch himself. The repetition of identical language, imagery, and celebratory framing suggests something more deliberate than coincidence.
True leadership demands accountability. It would have reflected integrity for Abimbola to own the spread of these unverified reports. To now distance himself by blaming supporters for what is plainly a coordinated false-news campaign is disingenuous and unworthy of the moral stature required of a contender for the revered stool. Approval of misinformation, whether active or passive, undermines the dignity of the throne being sought.
Why the rush? Why the insistence on public coronation before traditional endorsement? In some quarters, Abimbola has been referred to as the online Awujale!
When an aspirant appears more invested in controlling the media narrative than respecting the process, it inevitably creates the impression of desperation for power and undermines the integrity of the selection process before it even begins.
The implications for Ijebu unity cannot be ignored. A kingship contest involving over 60 contenders requires restraint at the highest level. An aspirant falsely elevating himself prematurely risks inflaming tensions within the Fusengbuwa family, delegitimising the eventual outcome, and dragging a revered institution into unnecessary controversy.
It must also be asked whether this aggressive narrative reflects a deeper anxiety about relevance and authority.
This is not a declaration of guilt, nor a denial of Abimbola Onabanjo’s lineage or possible eligibility—if such eligibility exists. Rather, it is a call for restraint, transparency, and respect for tradition. True royalty does not need to shout. It waits.
Until the rites are completed, the staff formally handed over, and the people of Ijebu Land collectively recognise their monarch, there is no Awujale. Any portrayal to the contrary, whether by 70 bloggers or a hundred more, is premature and misleading.
Power pursued too loudly often exposes its own insecurity. And in the matter of the Awujale’s throne, patience is not weakness; it is tradition.
Gbenga Odugbesan is a social commentator, an Ijebu indigene, and writes from the United States of America
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Nigeria’s democracy is not under threat because public officials are being investigated. It is under threat when political actors attempt to weaponise opposition status as immunity from the law.
Let it be stated plainly: opposition is not a licence to steal, and it is not a shield against accountability.
No One Is Above the Law
The Nigerian Constitution is clear. It mandates the State to abolish corruption and abuse of power. It does not create exemptions for opposition leaders, former office holders, or political coalitions. The only immunity recognised by law is limited, specific, and temporary and it ends when a public officer leaves office.
To suggest otherwise is to invent a privilege unknown to the Constitution.
Investigation Is Not Persecution
The EFCC and other anti-graft agencies are legally bound to investigate allegations of economic and financial crimes. Investigation, arrest, and prosecution when carried out within the law do not violate fundamental rights. This is settled by the Supreme Court, not by political press conferences.
Calling the investigation “victimisation” does not make it so. It only signals an attempt to pre-empt justice with propaganda.
Presumption of Innocence Is Not a Gag Order
The presumption of innocence means that no one is guilty until proven so by a court of law. It does not mean no one can be investigated, questioned, or charged. It does not compel silence from law-enforcement agencies.
If you are innocent, the courts will clear you. If you are not, the law will take its course. That is the essence of the rule of law.
Selective Outrage Is Not a Defence
The argument that “others are also corrupt” is not recognised in Nigerian law. Courts have consistently held that the alleged wrongdoing of others does not excuse or absolve an accused person.
Accountability is personal. Justice is individual. Guilt is not suspended because someone else has not yet been charged.
Intimidating Institutions Is the Real Democratic Threat
What truly threatens Nigeria’s multiparty democracy is not the EFCC doing its job, but the growing attempt to intimidate, delegitimise, or blackmail anti-corruption institutions whenever investigations touch politically exposed persons.
Democracy does not mean freedom from scrutiny. It means submission to the law especially by those who once held public trust.
On Calls for “Independent Review Bodies”
Transparency is welcome, but it must not be weaponised as a diversion. Nigeria already has constitutionally and statutorily empowered institutions to audit, investigate, and prosecute financial crimes. Creating parallel structures to undermine lawful investigations or discredit prosecutions is not reform it is evasion.
Face the Law
No one was forced to misappropriate public funds.
No one was compelled to abuse office.
No one was instructed to breach financial regulations.
Public office is a trust. When that trust is breached, consequences follow.
The appropriate response to an investigation is not alarmism, not international lobbying, and not political noise. It is a competent legal defence and respect for due process.
Final Word
Anti-corruption is not anti-opposition.
Investigation is not persecution.
Accountability is not authoritarianism.
Those with clean hands have nothing to fear.
Those with questions to answer should answer them before the law.
Enough is enough. Nigeria will not trade the rule of law for political convenience.
Otunba Segun Showunmi
The Alternative
Opinion
Insecurity: Governor Abiodun Takes Firmer Stance, Declares Documentation of Non-Indigenes, Demolition of FlashPoint Areas
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Following the incessant killings and kidnappings in Nigeria by bandits, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has taken proactive measures to strengthen security and maintain peace in the state.
This follows a security meeting convened with security chiefs on Monday at his residence in Iperu, Ogun State, emphasising the need for proactive measures to prevent insecurity and promote economic development.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, Governor Abiodun outlined mandatory documentation of foreign nationals and non-indigenes coming to the state, and the dismantling of the ZAGA settlement in Ijebu-Ode and other flashpoint areas across the state.
He also warned that any landlords harbouring miscreants would be sanctioned.
Abiodun disclosed plans to establish a Forward Operating Base (FOB) at ILARA (Yewa North) to tighten border security. He assured citizens of the government’s commitment to maintaining peace and stability, while calling on residents to provide timely information to support law enforcement efforts.
Abiodun commended the leadership of Mr President and security agencies for rescuing kidnap victims in Niger/Kwara, emphasising that security is a joint responsibility.
According to him, “We want to commend Mr President for providing leadership, particularly as the economy has turned the corner and stabilised despite different false narratives being promoted .
We congratulate Mr President and the security agencies for the progress made in the rescue efforts of the kidnap victims in Niger / Kwara”
“As the industrial capital of Nigeria and the gateway state that connects the financial capital to the rest of the country we have and must continue to be proactive in ensuring that we sustain our position as one of the more peaceful states in Nigeria,
“The best time to prepare for war is during peace”
“Our resolutions are:
Mandatory Documentation of Foreign Nationals: All foreign nationals within the State must be properly documented in accordance with security protocols and immigration regulations.
ZAGA Enclave: The ZAGA settlement is to be dismantled and taken over by the Government to prevent its continued use for unlawful activities.
Sanctions for Landlords Harbouring Miscreants: Landlords and individuals found to be accommodating miscreants or criminal elements will be decisively dealt with in line with the law.
Engagement with Non-Indigenes: A strategic meeting will be convened with the non-indigene communities to strengthen mutual understanding and enhance security cooperation.
FOB Establishment at ILARA (Yewa North):The establishment of a Forward Operating Base (FOB) around Ilara, a key border community in Yewa North, will be prioritised to tighten border security.
Control of Scavengers: Activities of scavengers across the State will be strictly regulated to curb criminal infiltration and illicit practices.
Forest and Government Reserve Operations: Security agencies will intensify operations to flush out criminal hideouts within forests and government reserves.
Illegal Mining: All illegal mining activities will be confronted decisively, with perpetrators apprehended and prosecuted.
Ajebo non-indigene Settlement: The settlement in Ajebo is currently under investigation, and necessary actions will be taken upon the conclusion of the interrogation.
Inter-Agency Collaboration: Enhanced collaboration and cooperation among all security agencies will further strengthen and modernise the State’s security architecture.
We encourage the provision of timely information to us to ensure the promotion of prompt response by law enforcement Security is a joint responsibility of all of us”
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