His tough, uncompromising and relentless dedication to the total and holistic elimination of terrorists, bandits, insurgents, kidnappers, armed separatists and all forms of security threats to the nation is the stuff of legend; neutralizing many of them while sending others scampering for cover from the renewed onslaught of the combined security agencies.
Indeed, Gen Christopher Gwabin Musa, the much decorated and highly revered Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of the Nigerian Armed Forces has proved within a relatively short period of his assumption of office in June 2023 that the onerous task of restoring peace, security, stability and normalcy nationwide is doable not caring whose ox is gored in the process.
In short order, Gen Christopher Musa has brought his immense wealth of knowledge, invaluable experience and renowned technical expertise to bear in decimating criminal networks, eliminating their dastardly perpetrators while making large swathes of the nation safe again for peaceful abode and commercial enterprise.
However, a foresighted Gen Musa recognizes that it is human personnel and intelligence as addition to arms and armaments that are pivotal to winning the war against insecurity and has thus prioritised the vast improvement in the welfare package and working conditions of our gallant men and women in uniform.
Acknowledging the tough conditions under which Nigerian troops operate, General Christopher Musa has been a staunch advocate of the enhancement of the welfare of military personnel. Thus, his timely provision of Improved welfare packages, timely payment of allowances, and the provision of better living conditions has vastly contributed to boosting troop morale and effectiveness on the battlefield and beyond.
Undoubtedly, high morale is critical for the effective prosecution of any military campaign, and by enhancing personnel welfare, the intrepid CDS has reinforced the drive and effectiveness of the troops involved in counterinsurgency operations in tune with the well-worn adage that ‘it is not the gun but the man behind the gun that matters’.
Since his auspicious appointment as CDS, one of General Christopher Musa’s priority areas of focus has been the implementation of strategic reforms and innovations within the military. He has pushed for modernization in military tactics and the adoption of groundbreaking technologies including investments in drone warfare, cyber defence capabilities, and advanced communication systems, which has vastly improved the armed forces strategic response against insurgents banditry and terrorist threats.
In furtherance of his human centred approach to the war on terrorism, General Musa’s gloried tenure has signposted a dedicated commitment to upholding human rights within the context of military engagements.
The amiable CDS has implemented policies ensuring compliance with international human rights standards, thereby improving Nigeria’s image globally and fostering trust and confidence between the military and the civilian populace
While some military commanders tend to downplay the socio-economic, religious and even political factors that significantly contribute to the spread of extremism, fanaticism and insurgency, a holistic-minded
General Christopher Musa aptly recognises the significance of addressing the psycho-social factors contributing to terrorism’s allure and appeal.
This includes advancing de-radicalisation programs, community engagement, and fostering socio-economic endeavours that address the root causes of insurgent, extremist and terrorist recruitments.
The enhanced efforts under the astute CDS’ leadership to counter the ideologies that feed Boko Haram, ISWAP, Lakurewa etc are as critical as the physical battlefields’ operations undertaken to root out the criminal and terrorist elements and their unsavory collaborators.
Having applied the carrots approach to tackling insecurity uniformly, no one will begrudge Gen Christopher Musa’s subsequent adoption of the big stick formula to crushing insecurity with the swift deployment of the dreaded ‘Operation Hadin Kai,’ which introduced offensive operations aimed at decisively defeating the assorted enemies of the state.
The tough, new security doctrine has firmly crushed terrorists, kidnappers, bandits, separatists and their assorted criminal cohorts seriously depleting their ranks with hundreds of thousands of their remnants surrendering to the valiant Nigerian security agencies
Having read the riot act to whomever it may concern, the unwavering Chief of Defence Staff continues to soldier on, ridding his beloved nation of terrorist deviants and their acolytes wherever they may be ensconced.
Thus is the undiluted vision and untrammelled mission of the tough, resolute, courageous and utterly uncompromising General Christopher Musa which can be surmised thus: ‘No Retreat, No Surrender Until Total Victory is Achieved’.
To God be the Glory.
COMRADE AUSTIN ASADU, PUBLIC POLICY ANALYST,
ABUJA.
