…Vows probes, reforms
Former Chief of Defence Staff and Minister of Defence–designate, General Christopher Musa (rtd), yesterday outlined a sweeping security reform agenda, stressing that strengthening community resilience is central to tackling Nigeria’s escalating wave of mass abductions.
Speaking during his ministerial screening at the Senate, the nominee described the recurring kidnapping of schoolchildren as “tragic and unacceptable”, insisting that Nigeria must overhaul its approach to securing vulnerable communities. He said the ‘Safe Schools Initiative’, launched to protect learning environments, must be critically reviewed and strengthened to close existing security gaps.
He told senators: “The issue of kidnapping of students is very unfortunate. We must build the resilience of our communities because crime is localised. If we build the capacity of locals, they will be the first responders”.
Musa reaffirmed his commitment to probe the troop withdrawal that preceded the November 17 abduction of 25 schoolgirls from Government Comprehensive Girls Secondary School, Maga, in Danko Wasagu local government area of Kebbi State. The withdrawal — carried out shortly before the attack — has drawn nationwide condemnation.
He said a committee would be set up immediately upon assumption of office to investigate the incident, alongside another inquiry into the killing of Brigadier-General Musa Uba.
The ministerial nominee also condemned the recent capture and killing of a brigade commander in Borno State, calling the incident “painful” and “unacceptable”. He assured lawmakers that those responsible would face the full weight of Nigeria’s military response.
“We will not stand by and have terrorists develop the capacity to do such. No act of insolence or cowardice within the armed forces will be tolerated”, he stressed.
General Musa said the Armed Forces still face significant capability gaps, emphasising that “from day one”, all ongoing military operations would be reviewed. He identified adequate funding, improved oversight, and stricter professionalism as critical factors for restoring confidence in Nigeria’s security architecture.
He also called for the urgent updating of obsolete security laws and highlighted unregulated mining as a major revenue stream for criminal organisations — one that requires tighter monitoring backed by modern technology.
Emphasising that terrorism is transnational, the nominee urged security institutions to harmonise their efforts and collaborate more closely with neighbouring countries. He stressed that Nigeria risks greater insecurity if agencies continue operating in isolation.
Musa also advocated a whole-of-society approach combining community participation, enhanced local intelligence, better technology, and coordinated security operations. “We are going to go after them fully, working together with all security agencies”, he said.
Drawing on his 39 years of military service, Musa expressed confidence that Nigeria can win the fight against kidnapping, terrorism, and banditry — but only through strengthened communities, accountability within the armed forces, and a unified national security front.
