CDS General Christopher Musa Calls for Improved Governance to Tackle Insecurity

General Christopher Musa, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), has urged state governors and local government chairpersons to strengthen grassroots governance to address rising insecurity, including terrorism and banditry.

In an interview with Arise TV on Monday, General Musa expressed concerns over the spread of misinformation regarding military operations. He noted that as counterinsurgency efforts progress, false narratives are often amplified to mislead the public.

He highlighted the importance of addressing the root causes of insecurity through effective governance. While acknowledging that eliminating crime entirely may not be realistic, he emphasized that good governance can tackle underlying issues contributing to insecurity.

“In many communities, there is a fundamental misunderstanding of government and its role in providing essential services,” he stated. He identified the lack of infrastructure—such as roads, water, and electricity and limited economic opportunities as key factors perpetuating poverty and hunger, making communities vulnerable to exploitation by terrorists and criminal groups.

“Terrorist factions and criminal organizations exploit these weaknesses to recruit members and create chaos. Effective governance is crucial in our battle against terrorism,” General Musa explained. He called for collaboration among local authorities, state leaders, and organizations to deliver infrastructure, education, nutrition, and job opportunities. “By addressing these issues, we can eliminate the factors that allow terrorism to thrive,” he added.

Addressing concerns about alleged inadvertent airstrikes, General Musa assured the public that the military takes extreme precautions during air operations and closely monitors movements to minimize collateral damage. He acknowledged that secondary explosions caused by nearby bombs or weapons might occasionally affect civilians.

“Finally, I want to stress the importance of human rights and responsible reporting. We have encountered instances of misinformation and demoralization from some international organizations. However, Nigeria remains committed to upholding human rights and ensuring a secure, prosperous future for all its citizens,” he concluded.