PIONEER SPECIAL FORCES COMMANDER CALLS ON MILITARY TO SUPPORT DEFENCE MINISTER NOMINEE MUSA
Major-General Moundhey Gadzama Ali (rtd), the pioneer Special Forces Commander, has urged both serving and retired senior military officers to unite in supporting President Bola Tinubu’s newly confirmed Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd).
Ali emphasized that cohesive backing from the military community is vital to tackling Nigeria’s ongoing security challenges. He noted that Musa faces immense responsibility ahead, which will require active cooperation, practical input, and candid advice from experienced officers—rather than silent observation or political posturing.
He called on retired generals, Infantry officers, and members of the Special Forces to provide actionable solutions that can empower the minister-designate in addressing terrorism, insurgency, and banditry across the nation.
“Let us all stand with one of our own, General CG Musa, recently 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 offer practical answers to the challenges before him. Together, we can make this monumental task achievable,” Ali said.
Describing Musa as a trusted friend and colleague, Ali advised him to remain steadfast, focused, and resistant to sycophancy, noting that Nigeria’s security challenges are often driven by powerful interests. He urged Musa to confront the sponsors and enablers of criminal networks, “no matter whose horse is gored.”
With insecurity persisting in the North-East, widespread banditry and kidnappings in the North-West, and emerging threats in other regions, Ali stressed that Musa’s effectiveness will depend heavily on collective support from the officer corps.
“Towards a better Nigeria,” he added, urging the military community to treat Musa’s appointment as a national duty rather than a personal assignment.
Ali also criticized the culture of political patronage and weak accountability in public appointments, calling for transparency and merit-based governance to enhance Nigeria’s credibility and respect internationally. He further faulted security agencies for failing to act on available intelligence during screenings, warning that such lapses undermine national security.
“The world has moved beyond loyalty based on ‘my townsman.’ This is a time for transparency, integrity, and commitment—serving the nation without prejudice,” Ali said.
Musa, who recently retired as Chief of Defence Staff, is expected to leverage his extensive experience in joint operations, counter-terrorism, and military reform to strengthen the Defence Ministry. His nomination has been widely welcomed in security circles as a sign of continuity in the fight against insecurity.
