The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has warned that anyone acting against the unity and sovereignty of Nigeria will be treated as an enemy of the state.
Gen. Musa issued the warning on Tuesday in Birnin Kebbi while addressing the General Assembly of the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council (NTRC), themed: “Kebbi 2025: Strengthening Community Collaboration for Lasting Peace and Security in Northern Nigeria.”
He reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity and urged citizens to unite in safeguarding national 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,” he warned.
The CDS commended the Sultan of Sokoto and other traditional rulers for their sustained efforts in promoting peace, unity, and stability across the region.
“We underscore the vital role of our traditional rulers as custodians of values and morality. They remain indispensable in ensuring stability in the North and across the country,” he said.
Gen. Musa described traditional institutions as the bedrock of governance and the first line of engagement between the government and the people. He noted that peace and security are built through trust, dialogue, and collaboration among communities, security agencies, traditional institutions, and civil society.
“Our desire is for every community in Nigeria to be peaceful. The collaboration between security agencies and traditional authorities has never been more crucial,” he added.
He also directed members of the Armed Forces to act decisively against criminals threatening lives and property.
“No member of the armed forces should say 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 protecting democracy and acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s continued support for the Armed Forces.
Sultan of Sokoto Calls for Support for Military, Cautions Against Fake News
In his remarks, the Sultan of Sokoto and Chairman of the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, said the theme of the assembly was aimed at addressing pressing security challenges in the North.
He said a communiqué would be presented to northern governors at their forthcoming meeting in Kaduna State.
The Sultan urged Nigerians to stop criticising the military and instead offer prayers and support.
“Without the military, we wouldn’t be where we are now. There are challenges and shortcomings, and that’s why we are here—to find solutions,” he said.
He also called for the regulation of social media to curb the spread of misinformation capable of inciting unrest.
“People sit in the comfort of their rooms, create fake stories and share them until they go viral. It is dangerous. We must verify information before posting or sharing,” he warned.
The royal father dismissed false reports on social media, including alleged attacks on a mosque in Sokoto and divisive statements wrongly attributed to him. He reaffirmed the council’s commitment to democracy and support for elected leaders.
Government Officials Commend Security Agencies
Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Atiku Bagudu, praised the Armed Forces and security agencies for their sacrifices, urging citizens to support them.
He noted that President Tinubu has prioritised funding for all levels of government to boost development and security.
“The economy is taking the right direction, and we are putting in more work. Nigeria will soon become the pride of Africa, given the laudable works President Tinubu is doing in human capital and infrastructural development,” he said.
Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi also commended traditional rulers for their foresight and contribution to peace, unity, and security.
Event Highlights
The event, held at the Presidential Lodge in Birnin Kebbi, brought together traditional rulers, senior government officials, security chiefs, and community leaders from across Northern Nigeria to discuss strategies for lasting peace and security.\
