By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
A retired senior military officer has described the call by a group identified as Arewa youths for the resignation of Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd.), as misguided and ill-timed, urging the group to undertake a sincere soul-search rather than shift blame over the country’s security challenges.
The retired General, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the demand fails to recognise the significant efforts and progress made by the Armed Forces in tackling terrorism, banditry, and other forms of criminality across the country.
According to him, the security challenges confronting parts of Northern Nigeria have developed over several years and cannot be resolved instantly by any single individual, no matter how highly placed.
He noted that while citizens have the right to express concerns about insecurity, such calls must be guided by facts and a proper understanding of the complexities involved in military operations.
“It is easy to make emotional demands when tragic incidents occur, but national security requires a deeper and more balanced appreciation of the situation,” he said. “Those making such calls should first undertake a sincere soul-search and reflect on the broader societal issues that contribute to insecurity.”
The retired officer stressed that under the leadership of the Defence Minister, the Armed Forces have intensified offensive operations against terrorists, bandits, and other criminal groups, leading to the neutralization of several high-profile terrorist commanders and the rescue of many kidnapped victims.
He warned that demands for the removal of the Defence Minister at a time when the military is stepping up decisive actions against criminal networks could undermine ongoing operations and inadvertently embolden criminal elements.
According to him, it is often those uncomfortable with the military’s renewed determination to confront criminal groups head-on who are quick to call for the removal of security leadership.
Security experts have also emphasised that the success of military operations depends heavily on cooperation from local communities, particularly through credible intelligence and community vigilance.
They cautioned that politicising security matters could weaken public morale and create divisions that criminal elements may exploit.
Observers therefore urged youth groups across Northern Nigeria to channel their energies into supporting security agencies, promoting community awareness, and discouraging criminal activities within their areas.
They also stressed that lasting peace requires collective responsibility involving citizens, community leaders, and civil society organisations, in addition to the efforts of security forces.
“At this critical moment, what Nigeria needs is unity of purpose and stronger collaboration between communities and security agencies, not calls that could distract the Armed Forces from their mission,” the retired General added.
While acknowledging the pain and frustration caused by the loss of both soldiers and civilians in the course of security operations, he maintained that the appropriate response should be to strengthen support for the Armed Forces rather than target individuals leading the fight.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Musa as Minister of Defence in 2025 as part of a broader restructuring of the country’s security leadership aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s response to evolving security threats.
