Nigeria continues to face a serious insecurity challenge, and Gen. Christopher Musa is speaking up more than most. As Chief of Defence Staff, his voice carries significant weight, especially under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Since his appointment, Musa has taken an unusually active stance. He doesn’t shy away from tough topics. In fact, he has tackled issues previous military leaders barely mentioned. That alone deserves recognition.
Most notably, Musa often addresses the ongoing herder-farmer conflicts. This is a sensitive and often ignored subject. Yet, Musa talks about it with a level of clarity rarely seen from someone in his position. He appears genuinely committed to peace and national unity.
On one occasion, he told reporters that attacks had decreased in the southern parts of Kaduna State. That statement gave hope to many in the region. It also showed that military interventions might be helping to calm tensions.
In another case, Musa spoke about Benue State. He explained that soldiers had visited areas where foreign herders were said to be occupying farmland. After careful checks, no foreign herder was found. That kind of detailed feedback is rare and valuable. It reassures citizens that the armed forces are paying attention.
To address the root of the conflict, Musa has recommended ranching for herds. He stated clearly that open grazing contributes to the insecurity challenge. His words were direct: “One of the big security challenges we’re having is due to unstructured cattle movement.”
Many Nigerians agree with that view. Ranching could help reduce violence between herders and farmers. It could also support agricultural productivity and promote peaceful coexistence in rural communities.
Musa’s tone is usually firm but reasonable. He speaks like someone who understands both security operations and social tensions. That blend is rare. It builds public trust.
However, despite all his helpful insights, there is one issue Musa hasn’t addressed. It stands out. It matters more because of his high position in Tinubu’s administration. For now, I will hold back from saying more. But I intend to return to it later.
His silence on that particular matter is puzzling. Perhaps he is waiting for the right moment. Or maybe he believes it’s too sensitive to discuss publicly right now. Either way, the silence is noticeable.
Nevertheless, Gen. Musa’s openness on other topics is commendable. His willingness to speak gives the military a more human face. It also brings fresh energy to the nation’s security dialogue.
In a country where trust in institutions is often weak, Musa’s voice provides a form of reassurance. People are listening. His words shape public opinion, policy discussions, and possibly future reforms.
As insecurity challenges remain, Nigeria needs more leaders who speak with honesty and courage. Gen. Musa is doing just that. Still, one hopes he will soon address the issue he has so far left untouched.
