By Kennedy Elaigwu Awodi
Sir: As I look across the landscape of our dear nation, Nigeria, I see a shift that many thought was impossible. For years, we were told that the shadows of Sambisa and the lawless expanses of the Northwest were insurmountable. We were told by voices of compromise that the only way to find peace was to sit at a table with those who have spilled the blood of our brothers and sisters.
But today, under the resolute leadership of the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd), I am witnessing a different narrative, one written in the language of strength, sovereignty, and uncompromising justice.
I believe it is time we speak plainly: General Musa is succeeding precisely because he has refused to listen to the siren song of “negotiation.” For too long, certain northern clerics and influential figures have held onto the misguided belief that we can appease terrorists. He has been clear from the outset: the only language these criminals understand is the language of superior force. By resisting the pressure to treat terrorists as legitimate stakeholders, he has restored the dignity of the Nigerian state.
However, this “no-nonsense” posture does not exist in a vacuum. The successes we see on the frontlines are the direct result of a profound shift in strategic guidance at the highest levels of the Ministry of Defence. General Musa has brought a refined administrative clarity to the affairs of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN). He has moved away from the era of “siloed” operations, instead fostering an unprecedented level of cooperation among the Service Chiefs. Under his leadership style, which prioritises synergy over hierarchy, the Army, Navy, and Air Force are no longer fighting separate battles; they are operating as a single, lethal fist.
Crucially, this momentum is fuelled by the unwavering support of the Commander-in-Chief. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to providing the MOD and the AFN with the necessary political backing and resources has been the key driver of these recorded successes. Without this alignment between the Presidency and the Defence Ministry, the bold strides we are witnessing would remain mere aspirations.
The results of this unified, unyielding stance are visible in the most dreaded corners of our country. I have followed the reports of our gallant officers making significant gains into ISWAP’s stronghold, the notorious Timbuktu Triangle, and the heart of the Sambisa Forest. These operations have been relentless, resulting in the rescue of over 350 individuals, mostly women and children, some held for over a decade.
Under General Musa’s strategic direction, the Nigerian military has moved beyond just “containing” the threat; they are actively dismantling it. Consider the numbers from the Northwest alone in 2025: 1,023 kidnap victims rescued and safely reunited with their families. 189 AK-47 rifles and over 4,000 rounds of ammunition recovered. The neutralisation of several high-profile bandit leaders who previously acted as “gods” in the bush.
I have seen the images of families being reunited in states like Sokoto, Kwara and Kogi. These aren’t just statistics; they are human lives returned to the fold of society. This shows me that the minister’s strategy of inter-service cooperation and “unity of effort” is working.
We must be honest: The opposition General Musa faces from those who advocate for “dialogue” with killers is a threat to our national survival. The Minister of Defence has proven that when you meet violence with decisive, legal, and overwhelming military action, backed by a supportive C-in-C and a unified military command, the enemy retreats.
As a Nigerian who dreams of a nation where we can travel from the North to the South without fear, I can confidently say that the “Musa Doctrine” is the medicine we have long needed. The era of begging terrorists for peace is over. The era of taking it back by force is here, and so far, the General is delivering on his promise.
Kennedy Elaigwu Awodi wrote from North Carolina, USA and can be reached via awodiken@outlook.com
In this article