Nigeria’s immediate past Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa (retd.), has officially bowed out of military service, declaring that he leaves the Nigerian Armed Forces “with a clear conscience” after nearly four decades of dedicated service to the nation.
Speaking during his ceremonial pull-out parade held on Friday in Abuja, General Musa reflected on his career with pride and gratitude, saying he gave his utmost to the defence of Nigeria and the battle against insecurity.
“As I hang my uniform today, I do so with a clear conscience, knowing that I gave my all,” he said in an emotional address. “I leave with cherished memories of camaraderie — of battles fought and triumphs celebrated as one family. The sound of the bugle may change for me, but the soldier’s heart beats on forever.”
Musa, who was appointed Chief of Defence Staff by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on June 19, 2023, described his tenure as both an honour and a heavy responsibility. He expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for entrusting him with the nation’s top military position and vowed to remain loyal to the President and Nigeria even in retirement.
“I might be retiring from active military service today, but I’m by no means retiring from my love for our dear country,” Musa said. “I remain a soldier at heart and a patriot ever loyal to the constitution and sovereignty of our great nation.”
Call for Collaboration and Continued Prayers
General Musa emphasized that the fight against insecurity in Nigeria requires stronger cooperation among the armed forces, intelligence services, and the public. He warned that the challenges of terrorism, banditry, and other security threats cannot be overcome by the military alone.
“There is no single institution that can win this war alone,” he cautioned. “We must synergise, we must collaborate, we must fight together. I appeal to all Nigerians to pray for our troops and for all security forces, so that together we can win — and Nigeria shall continue to develop.”
He commended the courage and sacrifices of officers on the frontlines, noting that their determination remains the backbone of the nation’s stability.
Tributes and Transition
The retired Defence Chief congratulated his successor, General Olufemi Oluyede, who formally assumed office as CDS on Thursday. Musa urged officers and personnel across all branches of the military to extend to the new service chiefs the same level of loyalty and professionalism that defined his leadership.
He also took time to appreciate his family, whom he described as “unsung heroes” for their patience and resilience during his years of active duty and frequent deployments.
“My family has endured the long absences, the uncertainties, and the sacrifices that come with this uniform,” he said. “They deserve recognition for standing firm behind me all these years.”
Musa further expressed gratitude to the media and sister security agencies for their cooperation and support during his tenure, acknowledging their roles in shaping public understanding of the military’s operations and sacrifices.
A Legacy of Service
General Christopher Musa’s military career spanned nearly 40 years, during which he served in multiple command and operational roles, including the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, responsible for counterterrorism efforts in the North-East. His tenure as CDS was marked by intensified joint operations against insurgents, a push for inter-agency collaboration, and reforms aimed at enhancing troop welfare.
As the ceremony drew to a close, the retired General stood tall before colleagues, friends, and dignitaries, symbolically taking his final salute.
“The sound of the bugle may fade,” he said quietly, “but the duty to defend and serve Nigeria never ends.”
With that, General Musa formally passed the baton to General Olufemi Oluyede, marking the end of one era — and the beginning of another in Nigeria’s defence leadership.
