From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has charged Commanders of the various Joint Task Forces across the country to intensify their efforts in combating terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other emerging security threats bedevilling the country.
Gen. Musa stated that this has become necessary as the military cannot afford to fail Nigerians, who have entrusted them with protecting their lives, properties, freedoms, and the territorial integrity of the nation.
Gen. Musa gave the charge at the opening of the 2025 Chief of Defence Staff Joint Task Force Commanders Conference, held at the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) in Abuja.
The CDS told the commanders that the security landscape in Nigeria has continued to evolve and present new and complex challenges, hence the imperative of the conference to evolve a clear roadmap for addressing the security challenges confronting the nation.
He said, “Let us keep in mind the trust reposed in us by the Nigerian people. They look up to us to protect their lives, properties, and freedoms. We must not fail them.”
While commending the commanders for their relentless efforts in combating insurgency, terrorism, banditry, and other security threats in the country, Gen. Musa said that recent successes are a testament to their professionalism, resilience, and commitment to duty.
The CDS, while noting that evolving threats such as armed drones, transnational crimes, and improvised explosive devices require innovative and adaptive responses, said the conference aims to evolve a clear roadmap for addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.
General Musa also emphasised the importance of leveraging technology, enhancing intelligence-sharing, and strengthening interagency cooperation to stay ahead of threats.
Speaking on the benefits of jointness in military operations, the CDS said that the conference focuses on the concept of jointness as a major determinant for operational success, particularly within the context of a complex and dynamic contemporary security environment.
The concept of jointness, he noted, remains at the core of operational success and is a pillar of his leadership concept, which is “to nurture a professional Armed Forces of Nigeria that is people-centric, capable of meeting its constitutional responsibilities in a joint and collaborative environment”.
President Bola Tinubu, who declared the conference open, reiterated the importance of jointness in military operations.
Represented by Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar, the president urged the commanders to explore the concept of jointness, harness emerging technologies, and ensure multi-agency synergy to remain an agile and lethal force.
“I further implore you to continue to work together to ensure multi-agency synergy on all fronts as this will enable the Armed Forces of Nigeria to remain an agile, adaptable, and lethal force performing at its highest potential,” he said.
He said that the conference provides a unique forum for all Service Chiefs and Commanders of the Joint Task Forces to re-evaluate their operations, re-strategise, and chart better ways for more effective performance.
He, however, assured the military that his administration will continue to prioritise security and support the Armed Forces and other security agencies.
Earlier in his address of welcome, the Chief of Defence Training and Operations, Major General Emeka Onumajuru, said the conference will encourage the whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to the conduct of military operations.
He said it will also increase the interface between the military strategic leadership and operational commanders while ensuring clear strategic guidance.
“Intensify jointness and interagency collaboration within the joint operational area. Promote adequate operational resources. Increase operational input and situational awareness in the various joint operational areas, and lastly, it will provide an opportunity for peer review and increased direction among Joint Task Force Commanders for increased operational success,” he added.
The theme of the conference, “Enhancing Jointness Across All Theatres of Operation,” targets the perennial challenge that has negatively impacted overall efforts.