CDS calls for smarter strategy, stronger synergy to combat security threats
Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has emphasized the urgent need for smarter strategies and enhanced synergy among security agencies to effectively combat the nation’s growing security challenges.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has warned that terrorism, climate change, cyber threats, and geopolitical tensions are intensifying global fragility and worsening Nigeria’s already complex security challenges.
Speaking at a recent security conference, General Musa stressed that traditional approaches to security management are no longer sufficient to address modern threats facing the country.
The Defence Chief highlighted the evolving nature of security challenges, noting that contemporary threats require innovative solutions and coordinated responses from all security agencies operating in Nigeria.
General Musa emphasized that inter-agency collaboration remains crucial for achieving optimal results in the ongoing fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities plaguing various regions.
“This year, 2025, will be a decisive year for Nigeria’s security. We must make it the year we finally eradicate banditry, terrorism, and all forms of insecurity threatening our great nation,” Musa reportedly stated.
The CDS outlined plans for deploying advanced technologies and intelligence-driven operations to anticipate and counter security threats before they escalate into major incidents affecting civilian populations.
In May 2025, during a visit to Maiduguri, General Musa pledged to integrate cutting-edge platforms, including AI-driven predictive analytics, to anticipate insurgent movements.
According to the Defence Chief, the Nigerian Armed Forces will prioritize joint operations that leverage the unique strengths of each service branch while eliminating operational gaps.
As part of the new strategy, General Musa announced that over 800 specially trained Special Forces operatives will be deployed to high-risk zones across the country.
The military leader stressed that sustainable peace requires comprehensive approaches that address root causes of conflicts rather than merely responding to immediate security incidents.
General Musa noted that climate change has emerged as a significant factor contributing to resource-based conflicts, particularly between farmers and herders in various parts of Nigeria.
The Defence Chief called for enhanced intelligence sharing mechanisms among security agencies to ensure real-time coordination and rapid response to emerging threats across the country.
He emphasized that cyber threats represent a new frontier in national security that requires specialized expertise and coordinated responses from both military and civilian security agencies.
The CDS highlighted the importance of community engagement and public support in achieving long-term security objectives, noting that citizens remain vital partners in intelligence gathering efforts.
General Musa stressed that modern security challenges require adaptive strategies that can evolve quickly in response to changing threat patterns and emerging criminal methodologies used by insurgents.
The Defence Chief announced plans for increased training programs designed to enhance the capacity of security personnel in handling contemporary challenges including cyber warfare and asymmetric threats.
According to General Musa, the Armed Forces will intensify efforts to disrupt terrorist financing networks and supply chains that enable criminal organizations to sustain their operations.
The military leader emphasized that successful counterterrorism operations depend on accurate intelligence, swift execution, and effective coordination between different security agencies operating in affected regions.
General Musa called for stronger partnerships with international allies and regional organizations to combat transnational security threats that transcend Nigeria’s borders and affect regional stability.
The CDS stressed that achieving comprehensive security requires addressing socio-economic factors that contribute to youth recruitment by criminal organizations and terrorist groups operating across the country.
He noted that technological advancement in security operations must be accompanied by human capacity development to ensure effective utilization of modern equipment and systems.
The Defence Chief emphasized that 2025 represents a critical year for implementing new security strategies designed to fundamentally transform Nigeria’s approach to combating various forms of criminality.
General Musa concluded by reaffirming the Armed Forces’ commitment to protecting Nigerian citizens while working collaboratively with other security agencies to achieve lasting peace and stability.