Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has urged Nigerians to unite in the fight against insurgency and insecurity, stressing that military action alone cannot resolve the Boko Haram crisis.
He made the call on Friday during the public presentation of SCARS: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum, a book written by former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor.
“For us as a nation to move forward, we must look at this faithfully, truthfully and clearly in order to find solutions. It is not only a military solution. From my experience, the military solution is just 25 to 30 per cent,” Musa said.
Drawing inspiration from global examples, Musa highlighted Singapore’s resilience, noting that Nigerians must embrace love, peace, and nationhood to overcome insurgency.
“As long as we don’t love ourselves as Nigerians, and we don’t look at ourselves as our brother’s keepers, this will continue. If we want this to end, we must learn to live together as brothers and sisters,” he added.
On Boko Haram, Musa stressed that a “whole-of-society approach” is necessary, as asymmetric warfare differs from conventional wars.
“In asymmetric warfare, the enemy is within… it could be your father, brother or mother. Because you are dealing with ideology, it is not written on the forehead; it is within the mind,” he explained.
The defence chief also warned of external actors fueling instability in Nigeria and Africa, urging the continent to take ownership of its security.
“There are people from outside who are ready to ensure they continue to succeed and the country continues to fail. We must not allow them to succeed,” he warned.
Musa further commended General Lucky Irabor for his contributions, discipline, and enduring role in Nigeria’s military history.
What you should know
General Christopher Musa believes Boko Haram cannot be defeated by military force alone, which he estimates at just 30 percent of the solution.
He insists unity, peace, and a societal approach are crucial, while also warning of external forces driving instability in Nigeria and across Africa.
