Those Undermining Nigeria’s Unity Are Enemies Of State – CDS
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has cautioned that anyone undermining Nigeria’s unity or sovereignty will be regarded and treated as an enemy of the state.
Musa issued the warning on Tuesday in Birnin Kebbi, the Kebbi State capital, while addressing the General Assembly of the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council.
The conference, themed “Kebbi 2025: Strengthening Community Collaboration for Lasting Peace and Security in Northern Nigeria,” focused on enhancing cooperation between traditional institutions and security agencies to foster regional peace.
Reiterating the Armed Forces’ resolve to defend Nigeria’s territorial integrity, the defence chief urged citizens to stand together in protecting the nation’s peace and stability.
“Anyone found doing anything negative against the government and the sovereignty of Nigeria is an enemy of the state, and we will go after such a person,” Musa declared.
He commended the Sultan of Sokoto and other northern traditional rulers for their continued efforts in promoting peace, unity, and national cohesion.
“We underscore the vital role of our traditional rulers as custodians of values and morality. They remain indispensable to our collective efforts in ensuring stability in the North and the entire country,” Musa said.
Describing traditional rulers as the foundation of governance and a crucial bridge between government and the people, the CDS noted that genuine peace cannot be imposed by force but must be built through dialogue, trust, and collaboration among communities, traditional authorities, and security agencies.
“Our desire is for every community in Nigeria to be peaceful. The collaboration between security agencies and traditional authorities has never been more crucial,” Musa added.
He also directed military personnel to act decisively against criminal elements threatening lives and property, stressing that they have full authorisation to neutralise such threats.
“No member of the armed forces should tell you he has not been ordered to take down any criminal killing or destroying property. You are authorised to act,” he stated.
Musa assured Nigerians that the military remains committed to safeguarding democracy and maintaining stability, acknowledging President Bola Tinubu’s continued support for the armed forces in fulfilling their constitutional duties.
Musa’s remarks come on the heels of recent speculation about a possible coup, which the Defence Headquarters has dismissed as baseless.
The DHQ had dismissed as false and malicious reports linking the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary activities to an alleged coup attempt by some military officers.
Sahara Reporters had reported that the 16 detained officers — ranging from the rank of Captain to Brigadier General — were arrested by the Defence Intelligence Agency for allegedly holding secret meetings to topple the government.
The platform also alleged that the cancellation of the Independence Day parade on October 1 was connected to the purported plot.
In a statement on Saturday by the Director, Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the military said the publication, which also referenced the recent arrest of 16 officers, was intended to create tension and distrust among Nigerians.
It described the rumours as the handiwork of mischief-makers bent on creating unnecessary tension and undermining public confidence in the military’s loyalty to constitutional governance.