In a strong message to Nigeria’s security establishment, Pioneer Special Forces Commander, Major-General Moundhey Gadzama Ali (rtd.), has urged serving and retired senior officers to unite behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s nominee for Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa. Ali said unwavering support from the military fraternity is vital to ending Nigeria’s lingering security crises.
Speaking on the responsibilities ahead of the Defence Minister-designate, Ali stressed that Musa’s mandate is enormous and will require the collective wisdom of those who have served and led in battle, not passive observation or political posturing.
“Let us all rally behind one of our own, General CG Musa, who has just been nominated by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to serve as Minister of Defence. As he leads, in the spirit of ‘follow me’, let us openly provide answers to critical requirements to assist him in seeing to the end of banditry, terrorism and insurgency in our dear nation. Together, we can make the herculean task easy,”
Maj.-Gen. Ali stated.
Ali called on retired generals, infantry officers and the Special Forces community to actively offer solutions that will strengthen Musa’s capacity to dismantle criminal networks, restore territorial control and reinforce national security.
Describing the minister-designate as a long-time friend and trusted colleague, Gen. Ali cautioned Musa against political manipulation and sycophancy, emphasising that Nigeria’s security challenges are driven by entrenched interests that must be confronted head-on.
He urged the incoming defence minister to “take on sponsors and enablers of criminal networks, no matter whose horse is gored.”
With Nigeria still battling insurgency in the North-East, banditry and kidnapping in the North-West, and emerging threats in other regions, Ali said Musa’s success will depend heavily on unified institutional backing.
“Towards a better Nigeria indeed,” he remarked, urging the military fraternity to view Musa’s nomination as a national commitment, not a personal favour.
The respected retired general also criticised the historical weaknesses in public office appointments and screening processes. He noted that patronage, sentiments and inadequate transparency have repeatedly undermined Nigeria’s credibility in the eyes of the world.
Ali argued that security agencies should not shy away from presenting valid intelligence during screenings, insisting that silence and political convenience weaken the state.
“The world has gone beyond the sentiments of ‘my townsman’. This is the time of transparency, honesty, commitment and discharging one’s duties without prejudice before loyalty,” he said.
General Christopher Musa, who recently retired as Chief of Defence Staff, is widely regarded as an experienced operational leader with a strong background in joint operations, counter-terrorism and military reform. His nomination has been welcomed across defence circles as a step toward continuity and renewed momentum in the fight against insecurity.
As Nigeria anticipates Musa’s leadership at the Defence Ministry, Ali’s rare public intervention serves as an important rallying call, urging the officer corps serving and retired to close ranks and back the new minister in the national interest.