The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen Christopher Musa, has reiterated Nigeria’s capability to combat terrorism without mercenaries, urging for modern military hardware to strengthen operations.
According to Gen Musa, “We don’t need mercenary fighters, we don’t need any foreign boot on our soil and that was why it was not even being thought out. We don’t have a foreign military base in Nigeria. We have the capacity to wage the war, we are training together.”
Gen Musa made this statement during an interview on ARISE News Channel Friday. He also revealed that the Nigerian military has started assembling its own Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC).
“We are now producing and assembling our own armoured personnel carrier before we start full production,” he explained.
The Defence Chief emphasized the critical need for modern and sophisticated military hardware to effectively combat terrorism and emerging security threats.
He acknowledged the complex nature of contemporary warfare, particularly the shift from conventional conflict to asymmetric insurgency tactics.
Addressing concerns about military involvement in governance, Gen Musa unequivocally stated that no military personnel in Nigeria is interested in coup attempts.
“We are better in a democratic setting, so we want to sustain it,” he affirmed, highlighting the armed forces’ commitment to democratic principles.
In a parallel development, the Defence Headquarters announced significant operational achievements. During a recent reporting period, military troops neutralized 181 terrorists, arrested 203 individuals, and rescued 161 kidnapped hostages. The operations also included substantial efforts to combat oil theft, with troops intercepting and destroying numerous illegal refining sites and recovering significant quantities of stolen crude oil.
The military’s multifaceted approach was further demonstrated by the planned National Drumline and Marching Band Festival, an initiative aimed at promoting synergy among military and security agencies. The festival, themed “Togetherness: Unity in Diversity,” seeks to showcase Nigeria’s military music heritage and foster collaboration across different security organizations.
Gen Musa also announced the “Tribute to Our Troops” event, scheduled to commemorate the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day. The initiative aims to recognize and celebrate the sacrifices of military personnel in maintaining national security.
