Insecurity Must End Before Third Decade, Defence Minister Tells Army Officers

The Minister of Defence, retired General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has charged graduating officers of the Army War College Nigeria to apply the knowledge gained during their training to intensify efforts to end insecurity across the country.

Musa gave the charge on Friday, October 16, 2026, at the graduation ceremony of 99 participants of Course 10/2026 in Abuja.

He said the effectiveness of the officers’ nine-month professional military training would ultimately be measured by their ability to deliver tangible results in the field and improve the country’s security situation.

“Go out to the field and make the difference,” the minister told the graduands.

Musa recalled President Bola Tinubu’s directive at a recent National Security Council meeting that the fight against insecurity must not extend into a third decade. He urged the officers to demonstrate discipline, commitment and operational effectiveness in confronting the country’s security challenges.

The minister reaffirmed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remained committed to their constitutional responsibilities. He also stressed that integrity, dedication and proven performance should guide promotions and appointments to positions of greater responsibility.

On the changing nature of warfare, Musa said military success depended not only on expensive equipment but also on innovation and adaptability. He called on all departments of the Armed Forces to embrace technological developments and explore new approaches to improve operational effectiveness.

He noted that innovation should be considered a responsibility across the military, rather than one reserved for engineers and technical personnel.

The defence minister also urged the Armed Forces to work with the Independent National Electoral Commission, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to ensure peaceful, safe and credible elections. He said the collaboration should protect citizens from intimidation and prevent attempts to undermine the electoral process.

Earlier, the Commandant of the Army War College Nigeria, Major General Umar Alkali, said the institution remained committed to producing competent military leaders capable of responding to evolving security threats.

Alkali disclosed that the participants had completed 37 weeks of intensive professional military education. He highlighted the participation of the first female officers and the highest number of allied participants since the college was established.

The ceremony featured the presentation of fellowship awards to the 99 graduands, merit awards and certificates. A wounded officer among the graduands also received a special souvenir and a ₦5 million token in recognition of his courage.

The event was attended by senior military officers, members of the diplomatic corps and other dignitaries.