The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), has said every Nigerian should be able to undergo military training to better understand discipline, endurance and the sacrifices involved in protecting the country.

Musa made the statement in an interview on the African Leadership Podcast with Ken Giami, released on Monday.

He said military training would expose Nigerians to the physical and mental demands faced by military personnel, including hunger, exhaustion, long periods without sleep and physical strain.

The minister said such experiences could give civilians a different perspective on life and help them understand the demands placed on soldiers while carrying out their duties.

“For me, I think it’s the best. If I have my way, every Nigerian should be able to go through military training,” Musa said.

He also stressed the importance of teamwork, saying military training teaches people that individuals cannot operate effectively in isolation.

Musa, who joined the Nigerian Defence Academy as a cadet in 1986 and was commissioned into the Nigerian Army in 1991, said military personnel regularly make sacrifices by spending long periods away from their families.

He said he spent much of the first 17 years of his marriage away from his family because of his military responsibilities.

The minister urged Nigerians to appreciate the sacrifices made by troops and their families, saying criticism that demoralises military personnel could affect their performance.

On the country’s security challenges, Musa said tackling insurgency required both military and non-military approaches.

He estimated that kinetic military operations accounted for about 25 to 30 per cent of efforts against insurgency, while non-kinetic measures accounted for about 70 per cent.

He said addressing issues such as food security, roads, healthcare and education was also important to creating conditions that could support lasting security.

Musa further urged Nigerians to develop a stronger sense of patriotism, saying belief in the country was essential to its development.

He said the military would continue working to maintain peace and security while encouraging Nigerians to support the efforts of troops across the country.