Nigeria Must Solve Its Insecurity Challenges, Says Former CDS Christopher Musa

Former Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, has urged Nigerians to take ownership of the country’s security challenges, warning that foreign intervention would not resolve the nation’s problems.

Speaking on Sunday at the Cultural Night and Unity Ball organized by the Unity Schools Old Students’ Association (USOSANS) in Abuja, Musa highlighted the importance of national cohesion and self-reliance in tackling insecurity.

“What we are witnessing today demonstrates that Nigeria can be united despite our diverse cultures, traditions, and religions. We must learn to live together, love one another, and work collectively for our country. Nobody else will do it for us,” he said.

When asked about former U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat of military action in Nigeria, Musa reiterated, “Nobody will save our country other than ourselves. We must do it ourselves, and we can do it.”

The event, which celebrated Nigeria’s cultural diversity, also underscored the historical role of unity schools in fostering national integration. Michael Magaji, president-general of USOSANS, said the association has a “moral responsibility to promote unity in diversity, peace, and tolerance across the country.”

He explained that the unity schools, established over five decades ago, were designed to bring young Nigerians together in environments that nurture leadership, understanding, and nation-building. “The experiment has produced leaders in politics, the military, business, entertainment, and sports,” Magaji added.

Nnanna Anyim Udo, USOSANS team lead in Abuja, described the alumni as “custodians of a national project built on tolerance, understanding, and shared heritage,” pledging to continue promoting coexistence and countering divisive narratives.

The event highlighted the potential of cultural integration to strengthen national unity, with Musa urging all Nigerians to recommit to the ideals of nationhood.