NOW THAT YOU ARE AT THE HELM

A Blog Script to the New Minister of Defence, General C.G. Musa

Nigeria is at a turning point. Insecurity—whether insurgency in the Northeast, banditry in the Northwest, or kidnapping across the country—has tested the nation’s strength for years. Now that General C.G. Musa has been appointed the Minister of Defence, many Nigerians are hoping for a fresh start.

This blog script offers clear, practical advice on how he can steer the Defence Ministry toward meaningful and lasting change.

1. Unite the Security Agencies

One major weakness in Nigeria’s fight against insecurity has always been poor coordination among the Army, Air Force, Navy, Police, and other security bodies.

For real progress:

We need a joint strategy instead of isolated operations.

Agencies should share intelligence, plan together, and execute missions as a team.

A united front will close the loopholes that criminals exploit.

2. Build an Intelligence-Driven Defence System

Modern conflict is not won by force alone—it is won by information.

General Musa can transform the battle by:

Expanding intelligence networks in local communities.

Using more surveillance tools and technology.

Partnering with regional bodies to track cross-border threats.

Better intelligence means fewer surprises and more effective operations.

3. Boost Troop Morale and Welfare

No soldier fights well when he is worried about his family, unpaid allowances, or poor living conditions.

The Minister can set a new standard by:

Ensuring timely payments.

Improving accommodation, healthcare, and equipment.

Rewarding discipline, professionalism, and dedication.

When soldiers feel valued, they deliver at their best.

4. Work With Communities, Not Just Against Criminals

Banditry and terrorism survive where communities feel abandoned or unprotected. Winning the people is essential.

This means:

Engaging traditional rulers, youth groups, and community-based vigilantes in a structured way.

Building trust between civilians and the military.

Ensuring that civilians feel safe enough to share information.

Security becomes easier when the people are partners, not bystanders.

5. Strengthen Nigeria’s Borders

Arms smuggling and foreign fighters remain major problems.

Solutions include:

Deploying more surveillance tech at borders.

Conducting joint patrols with neighbouring countries.

Working closely with Customs and Immigration.

If the borders are secured, insurgency loses a major lifeline.

6. Modernise the Armed Forces

Nigeria must move from outdated methods to a modern defence structure.

This requires:

Better training and international partnerships.

More investment in drones, communication tools, and tactical vehicles.

Supporting local defence manufacturing to reduce foreign dependence.

A modern force is a winning force.

7. Uphold Accountability and Human Rights

Security forces gain more trust when operations follow the law and respect human rights.

The Minister can strengthen this by:

Enforcing strict codes of conduct.

Investigating credible reports of misconduct.

Promoting transparency in defence procurement.

Trust is the strongest weapon in any security operation.

8. Rebuild Nigeria’s Regional and International Partnerships

Terrorism in the Sahel affects everyone, not just Nigeria.

General Musa can improve Nigeria’s defence diplomacy by:

Working with ECOWAS, AU, and neighbouring states.

Sharing strategies and intelligence.

Seeking training and support from global allies.

Regional cooperation makes Nigeria safer.

9. Address the Root Causes of Insecurity

The military can suppress violence, but it cannot end the conditions that create it.

So it is important to:

Support economic programs in vulnerable regions.

Encourage education, job creation, and social reforms.

Back rehabilitation programs for repentant fighters.

Long-term peace is built, not forced.

Final Thoughts

General C.G. Musa steps into office at a critical moment. Nigeria needs bold leadership, fresh ideas, and strong coordination to overcome the insecurity that has weighed on the nation for years.

Now that you are at the helm, sir, the nation is watching—and hoping. With decisive action, strategic reforms, and people-centered leadership, you can help guide Nigeria toward lasting peace and stability.

ahmad.msalihu22@gmail.com