The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, yesterday said the military cannot afford to fail Nigerians, who have entrusted them with protecting their lives, properties, and freedoms.
Speaking at the Chief of Defence Staff Joint Task Force Commanders Conference 2025, General Musa urged the Commanders to intensify their efforts in combating terrorism and other emerging security threats in Nigeria.
He told the commanders that the security landscape in Nigeria has continued to evolve and present new and complex challenge, hence the imperative of the conference to evolve a clear roadmap for addressing the security challenges confronting the nation.
He said, “let us keep in mind the trust reposed in us by the Nigerian people. They look up to us to protect their lives, properties, and freedoms. We must not fail them”.
General Musa also commended the commanders for their relentless efforts in combating insurgency, terrorism, banditry, and other security threats.
He noted that recent successes are a testament to their professionalism, resilience, and commitment to duty.
The CDS stressed that evolving threats, such as armed drones, transnational crimes, and improvised explosive devices, require innovative and adaptive responses.
The conference, CDS said, aims to evolve a clear roadmap for addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.
General Musa also emphasized the importance of leveraging technology, enhancing intelligence-sharing, and strengthening interagency cooperation to stay ahead of threats.
Speaking about jointness in military operations, General Musa said the the conference focuses on the concept of jointness as a major determinant for operational success, particularly within the context of a complex and dynamic contemporary security environment.
The concept of jointness, he said remains at the core of our operational success and is a pillar of his leadership concept which is, “to Nurture a Professional Armed Forces of Nigeria that is People-Centric, Capable of Meeting its Constitutional Responsibilities in a Joint and Collaborative Environment”.
President Bola Tinubu, who declared the conference open, reiterated the importance of jointness in military operations.
Represented by Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar, the president urged the commanders to explore the concept of jointness, harness emerging technologies, and ensure multi-agency synergy to remain an agile and lethal force.
“I further implore you to continue to work together to ensure multi-agency synergy on all fronts as this will enable the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain an agile, adaptable and lethal force performing at its highest potential,” he said.
He averred that the conference provides a unique forum for all Services Chiefs and Commanders of the Joint Task Forces to re-evaluate their operations, re-strategize and chart better ways for more effective performance.
He however, assured the military that his administration will continue to prioritize security and support the Armed Forces and other security agencies.
Earlier in his address of welcome, the Chief of Defence Training and Operation, Major General Emeka Onumajuru, said the conference will encourage the whole of government and whole of society’s approach to the conduct of military operations.
According to him, it will also increase the interface between the military strategic leadership and operational commanders while ensuring clear strategic guidance.
“Intensify jointness and interagency collaboration within the joint operational area.
“Promote adequate operational resources. Increase operational input and situational awareness in the various joint operational areas, and lastly, it will provide opportunity for peer review and increasing direction Among Joint Task Force Commanders for increased operational success,” he added .
The theme of the conference, “Enhancing Jointness Across all Theatres of Operation,” targets the perennial challenge that has negatively impacted overall efforts.