Defence Chief Talks Tough, Vows Action Against Enemies Of Nigeria

…Says Anyone Undermining Nigeria’s Sovereignty is A Threat
…Sultan: Time to Regulate Social Media

By Franklin Adole
As speculation swirls over alleged coup plots, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has issued a stern warning that the Armed Forces will decisively deal with anyone working against Nigeria’s sovereignty and unity.

Reports had surfaced last week claiming that 16 military officers were in custody for allegedly planning to overthrow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government, claims the Defence Headquarters has since dismissed as false and malicious.

Speaking in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday during the General Assembly of the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council (NTRC), themed “Kebbi 2025: Strengthening Community Collaboration for Lasting Peace and Security in Northern Nigeria,” Gen. Musa vowed to take firm action against any individual or group seeking to destabilise the nation.

“Anyone found doing anything negative against the government and the sovereignty of Nigeria is an enemy of the state, and we will go after such a person,” he declared, drawing loud applause from participants.

The CDS reaffirmed the military’s loyalty to the Constitution and commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity. He urged citizens to unite behind the Armed Forces in defending national peace and stability.

Musa commended the Sultan of Sokoto and other northern traditional rulers for their enduring role in fostering unity and mediating peace across troubled communities.
“We recognise the vital place of traditional rulers as custodians of our culture, values, and morality. They are the first point of contact between government and the people and remain indispensable to peacebuilding efforts,” he said.

He stressed that true peace cannot be imposed but nurtured through collaboration, dialogue, and trust among security agencies, community leaders, and civil society actors.
“Our collective goal is for every Nigerian community to be peaceful. This is why cooperation between traditional authorities and the military has become more crucial than ever,” Musa added.

Charging troops to act decisively against armed criminals and saboteurs, the CDS said: “No member of the armed forces can claim he has not been ordered to take down anyone killing or destroying property. You are fully authorised to act.”

Gen. Musa assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces remained firmly committed to protecting democracy, noting that President Tinubu had continued to provide full support to enhance their operational capacity.

In his remarks, Sultan of Sokoto and Chairman of the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, said the forum was convened to find practical solutions to the lingering security challenges in the North.

He revealed that the council would issue a communiqué to be presented to northern governors at their next meeting in Kaduna, and urged citizens to support, not vilify the military.
“Without the military, we wouldn’t be where we are today. Yes, there are challenges, but we must help them succeed,” the Sultan said.

He also joined the Defence Chief in calling for stricter regulation of social media, lamenting the spread of fake news capable of inciting tension and violence.
“People now sit in their rooms and create fake stories that go viral. It is dangerous. We must verify before posting or sharing,” the royal father cautioned.

The Sultan dismissed false social media claims, including reports of an alleged attack on a mosque in Sokoto and divisive statements falsely attributed to him. He reaffirmed the council’s support for democratic governance and elected leaders at all levels.

Also speaking, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Atiku Bagudu, commended the military and other security agencies for their sacrifices. He said the Tinubu administration had made national security and economic recovery top priorities.
“The economy is on the right track. Nigeria will soon become the pride of Africa, given President Tinubu’s ongoing reforms in infrastructure and human capital,” Bagudu said.

Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi also lauded traditional rulers for their efforts in promoting peace and unity.

The high-level meeting, held at the Presidential Lodge in Birnin Kebbi, drew traditional rulers, security chiefs, senior government officials, and community leaders from across the North to deliberate on new strategies for sustainable peace and security in the region.