Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, has warned that anyone working against the country’s unity and sovereignty will be treated as an enemy of the state.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Musa issued the warning on Tuesday during the General Assembly of the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State. The meeting focused on “Strengthening Community Collaboration for Lasting Peace and Security in Northern Nigeria.”

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria will protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our nation,” Musa said. “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.”

The Defence Chief said the military would continue to act decisively against criminal elements threatening lives and property. He added that every officer had the authority to respond to attacks against citizens and national assets.

“No member of the Armed Forces should tell you he has not been ordered to take down any criminal killing or destroying property,” Musa said. “You are authorized to act.”

Musa also praised traditional rulers for their efforts to promote peace across the country. He described them as vital partners in addressing insecurity and building trust between the people and the government.

“Traditional rulers are custodians of our values and morality,” he said. “They are indispensable in our collective efforts to ensure stability in the North and across Nigeria.”

The Defence Chief urged Nigerians to remain united and reject actions or rhetoric capable of dividing the nation. He stressed that peace could not be achieved by force alone but through cooperation among security agencies, community leaders, and citizens.

“Our desire is for every community in Nigeria to live in peace,” he said. “Collaboration between the security forces and traditional authorities has never been more important.”

Background

Nigeria has faced persistent security challenges in recent years, including insurgency in the northeast, banditry in the northwest, and kidnappings in several regions. Musa’s warning comes amid renewed calls for cooperation between security agencies and communities to address rising violence.

Earlier this year, Musa proposed fencing parts of Nigeria’s borders to prevent cross-border infiltration by armed groups. He has also repeatedly cautioned that anyone supporting bandits or terrorist groups would be considered an enemy of the state.

Traditional Leaders Respond

At the meeting, Sultan of Sokoto and Chairman of the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, commended the military for its sacrifices and reaffirmed support for national unity.

“We must continue to pray for peace and work together to protect our country,” the Sultan said. He announced that the council would issue a communiqué highlighting strategies for improving collaboration between local communities and security agencies.

Why It Matters

The Defence Chief’s comments reflect growing concern about internal divisions and threats to Nigeria’s stability. His statement also signals the military’s readiness to respond firmly to any group or individual undermining national unity.

Analysts say the government’s current approach combines military operations with community engagement to reduce insecurity. However, some civil society groups have urged authorities to clearly define what constitutes “working against sovereignty” to prevent misuse of the term.

Despite the challenges, Musa reaffirmed the military’s loyalty to the constitution and its duty to defend democracy.

“We have no other country but Nigeria,” he said. “Every citizen must play a role in protecting it.”

The Defence Headquarters said it will continue to strengthen partnerships with traditional leaders and local communities as part of broader efforts to achieve lasting peace and security across the country.