CDS Urges Nigerians to Embrace Unity to Defeat Boko Haram, Insecurity

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has urged Nigerians to put aside differences and unite as a nation to end insurgency and insecurity, stressing that military action alone cannot resolve the Boko Haram menace.

General Musa made the call on Friday during the public presentation of SCARS: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum, a book authored by former CDS, General Lucky Irabor.

“The military solution is only about 25 to 30 per cent of the answer. For us as a nation to move forward, we must approach this challenge faithfully, truthfully, and clearly. We must embrace peace and nationhood,” he said.

The Defence Chief cited Singapore as an example of a nation that overcame adversity through unity and deliberate effort. “As long as we do not love ourselves as Nigerians and see ourselves as our brother’s keeper, insecurity will continue. If we want this to end, we must learn to live together as brothers and sisters. It is not magic; it must be deliberate,” Musa said.

He continued, “Countries evolve when they confront their challenges head-on. Singapore, with all its challenges, stood and decided: either we stand and die, or we work and develop. They chose to work, and today they have developed.”

General Musa’s appeal underscores the critical role of national cohesion in complementing military operations against terrorism.