Defence Chiefs rally troops to combat insecurity, set ambitious goals for 2025

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, alongside other service chiefs, has issued a rallying call to Nigerian troops to intensify efforts against terrorism and other criminal activities across the country.

Speaking at the Armed Forces Remembrance Day Social and Award Evening for Soldiers, Ratings, and Airmen in Abuja on Sunday, General Musa emphasized the need for a proactive and determined approach to neutralizing security threats in 2025.

Musa urged the military to adopt an offensive strategy to confront criminal elements head-on, emphasizing that their mission is to track and eliminate threats wherever they may hide.

“We are not where we want to be, but we’re heading there, and I can assure you that by working together, we shall overcome all acts of evil,” General Musa declared.

“Our task is to look for the bad guys and take them down. I have encouraged all our commanders this year that we must make a great difference in all our operations. We must step out of the temple, look for the criminals wherever they enter, and go after them.”

The CDS highlighted the critical role of the armed forces in ensuring peace and stability, underscoring the urgency of making a significant impact in ongoing and future operations.

According to Musa, 2025 presents an opportunity for the military to decisively tackle threats that undermine the country’s security.

The event also featured remarks from the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, who reinforced the importance of the troops’ unwavering commitment to their duties.

Oluyede reminded the armed forces of their sacred oath to defend the nation with loyalty and resolve.

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“We must go wherever lawfully sent by land, sea, or air. We must remain resolute in our fight against terrorism, insurgency, secessionism, and other threats to our collective peace as Nigerians,” Lt.-Gen. Oluyede stated.

He called on troops to remain steadfast in their mission to safeguard the country and urged them to rise to the challenges of 2025.

The service chiefs collectively stressed the importance of collaboration and resilience in combating various forms of insecurity. Their messages come at a critical time when the country faces heightened challenges from terrorism, banditry, and other criminal activities.

Analysts have noted that the military’s proactive posture is a step in the right direction, though they caution that success will require adequate resources, intelligence, and inter-agency cooperation.

Defense analyst Dr. Ayo Olagunju remarked, “The commitment from the CDS and other service chiefs is encouraging, but the military must back these words with action. Improved logistics, intelligence sharing, and modern equipment will be essential to achieving their goals.”

Another expert, Dr. Esther Nwosu, stressed the importance of civilian-military relations. “The armed forces must also win the trust and support of the communities they operate in. Collaboration with local populations is key to rooting out criminals and achieving lasting peace,” she said.

The Armed Forces Remembrance Day event was an occasion to honor the sacrifices of soldiers, sailors, and airmen who have served and continue to serve the nation.

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Awards were presented to deserving personnel for their bravery and commitment to duty, underscoring the military’s focus on motivation and morale.

As the armed forces embark on what promises to be a defining year for Nigeria’s security landscape, the leadership’s call for decisive action has set the tone for a renewed push to restore peace and stability across the nation.

Whether these ambitions translate into tangible success will depend on the execution of well-coordinated strategies and sustained efforts by all stakeholders.