The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has issued a stern directive to members of the Nigerian Armed Forces, emphasizing the need to protect innocent citizens and avoid inflicting harm under any circumstances.
General Musa delivered the message during his official visit to the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna State on Friday. During the visit, he inaugurated several newly completed projects designed to enhance the welfare and training of cadets.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria exist for Nigeria and Nigerians. Our duty is to protect the nation and its sovereignty, whether within or outside our borders, and never to harm innocent people. This must be clear to everyone,” General Musa stated.
Addressing the cadets, he urged them to internalize the Armed Forces’ mandate as they advance in their military careers.
“Our duty is to protect and defend our country,” he reiterated.
General Musa also emphasized the evolving nature of modern warfare, particularly with the advent of artificial intelligence in combating insecurity. He warned against neglecting duties for personal gain, stating that such actions would no longer be tolerated.
“There will be no soft landings for any officer. As junior commanders, you will be deployed to challenging terrains to protect our citizens and the nation from any threats,” the CDS cautioned.
The Commandant of the NDA, Major General John Ochai, also highlighted the importance of leveraging information and communication technology (ICT) in addressing terrorism, banditry, and other security challenges. He underscored the Academy’s commitment to integrating ICT into training programs to prepare cadets for contemporary and future security demands.
Among the completed projects inaugurated by the CDS were the NDA Emergency and Trauma Centre, an operational base, and a basic military training complex. He was accompanied by the NDA Commandant, senior military officers, and their spouses.