The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa on Friday vowed that the era of shedding innocent blood in Nigeria had come to an end.
He made the declaration as he formally assumed office at the Ministry of Defence Headquarters in Abuja, promising to lead with urgency, accountability and a renewed sense of national purpose.
Musa, who until his appointment served as the Chief of Defence Staff, said he was returning to the ministry with the support of President Bola Tinubu and the trust of Nigerians who believe in his capacity to “turn the tide” after 39 years of military service.
He stressed that Nigeria’s security challenges required collective responsibility, insisting that real change would come through concrete action by citizens and institutions alike.
“The shedding of innocent blood is over. Citizens have a right to live without fear. Our children should be able to go back to school. The farmers should be able to go back to their farms,” he said.
The minister pledged to prioritise the welfare of military personnel and their families, describing it as central to operational effectiveness and public confidence. He noted that anyone willing to lay down their life for the nation deserved utmost respect and consistent support.
Musa committed to ensuring that troops receive adequate kits, timely operational allowances, proper accommodation and improved medical care — particularly wounded soldiers and families of the fallen.
Outlining his vision, he highlighted three core pillars that would guide his stewardship: enhanced operational effectiveness, unified action across all services, and strategic foresight anchored in data and modern intelligence systems.
He promised a comprehensive review of theatre commands and inter-service structures to eliminate operational silos, stressing that once decisions are made, “we must move as one united team.”
He also emphasised the critical role of technology, partnerships with allies and stronger collaboration with intelligence and security agencies. Decisions, he said, must be driven by data, not just experience.
Musa made it clear that he would tolerate no indiscipline, corruption or bureaucratic delays. Mistakes, he noted, would be quickly confronted and corrected to maintain integrity within the system.
Also Read:Musa assumes office as defence minister
Describing morale as a “force multiplier,” the minister urged staff — both military and civilian — to take initiative and bring their best to the job.
He acknowledged the civil service as the institutional memory of the ministry and an essential link in transforming military goals into actionable administrative and budgetary outcomes.
“We are going to continue to hit the ground running. The task ahead is enormous, but very manageable. We can win. We will win,” he said, calling for unity, faith and renewed resolve among Nigerians.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Richard Pheelangwa, described Musa’s assumption of office as a significant moment for the ministry and for Nigeria’s overall security outlook.
He assured the minister of the full cooperation of management and staff, noting that his appointment reflected national confidence in his experience and leadership capacity.
Equally, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, welcomed the minister’s arrival as the beginning of a new era of sincerity, unity and collective action in confronting the country’s security challenges.
He pledged the unwavering support of the Armed Forces, adding that military leadership remained committed to strengthening public trust and improving operational outcomes.
“We must be sincere about our approach and address these issues collectively. We are glad to have him here and are looking forward to a more robust approach to solving our challenges,” Oluyede said.
He called for sustained government willpower to drive the defence agenda forward.
With Musa’s entry, the ministry signals a renewed push for stability, accountability and effective security coordination as Nigeria navigates one of its most challenging security landscapes in decades.
NAN
