By Headlinenews.news
Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, on Friday received the Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), who paid a courtesy visit to Government House, reaffirming the Federal Government’s renewed commitment to stabilising security across Kaduna and the wider North-West.
Governor Sani congratulated the Defence Minister on his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing it as “a strategic choice at a critical time in Nigeria’s national security journey”. The Governor applauded Gen. Musa’s long-standing record in counterterrorism, counterinsurgency, and military operations — experience that places him among the most knowledgeable defence leaders to emerge from Northern Nigeria in recent decades.
Gen. Musa Visits Kaduna: Defence Minister and Governor Uba Sani Align on New Security Strategy
Notably, General Musa, a proud Kaduna-born military officer, has deep institutional ties to the state. Kaduna hosts some of Nigeria’s most important military formations and training institutions, including the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), Nigerian Army School of Infantry (NASI), and the Nigerian Air Force Training Command. His appointment is widely seen as significant for a state that has long carried the weight of national security challenges.
Strengthening Security Architecture: Kaduna as a National Priority
Discussions between the Governor and the Defence Minister centred on:
Enhancing joint operations among the military, police, DSS, and state-led security mechanisms.
Deepening intelligence gathering and sharing, especially across flashpoint LGAs affected by banditry, kidnapping, and cross-border criminal networks.
Boosting operational morale through strategic support for security personnel and improved civilian–military cooperation.
Governor Sani reiterated that “the protection of lives and property remains the top priority of this administration”, reaffirming Kaduna State’s readiness to partner closely with the Ministry of Defence.
The Defence Minister commended Governor Sani’s proactive interventions, including investments in community security, early-warning systems, and inter-agency coordination. He praised the Governor for fostering a stable working environment for security agencies despite persistent threats.
Historical Context: Kaduna at the Centre of Nigeria’s Security Equation
For over a decade, Kaduna has served as both a strategic military hub and a frontline state in Nigeria’s fight against banditry and terrorism. Its central location makes it vulnerable to trans-border criminal activity from the North-West and North-Central corridors, while its military installations make it vital for national training, planning, and rapid deployment.
The visit by the Defence Minister underscores the Federal Government’s recognition of Kaduna’s dual role as:
1. A security anchor for northern Nigeria, and
2. A priority area for ongoing counter-terrorism and counter-banditry operations.
General Musa himself is no stranger to these dynamics, having served as Theatre Commander, Operation HADIN KAI, where he led major operations against Boko Haram and ISWAP in the North-East, earning widespread commendation for operational discipline and coordinated strike strategies.
Gen. Christopher Musa Meets Governor Uba Sani, Charts Stronger Security Framework for Kaduna State
A Strategic Partnership Under President Tinubu’s Defence Agenda
Governor Uba Sani expressed confidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s defence reforms — including modernization of the armed forces, improved welfare for personnel, and decentralised intelligence coordination — will yield significant results for Kaduna residents.
He emphasised that Kaduna’s government will:
Continue supporting federal security deployments,
Deepen collaboration with communities in vulnerable regions,
Expand technology-driven surveillance and intelligence networks, and
Strengthen peace-building initiatives to address the socioeconomic roots of insecurity.
The Defence Minister echoed this commitment, noting that Kaduna will remain central to Nigeria’s defence planning due to its infrastructure, manpower, and ongoing reforms.
Looking Ahead
The high-level meeting marked a strong alignment between state and federal authorities in restoring stability to Kaduna. With General Musa’s operational pedigree and Governor Sani’s community-focused security strategy, stakeholders anticipate a more unified, intelligence-led approach to security across the state.
The visit signals a new era of strengthened defence cooperation, offering hope that Kaduna’s long-standing security challenges can be more effectively contained through synergy, professionalism, and sustained federal–state partnership.
Dr. G. Fraser. MFR
Headlinenews.news Special report.
