Defence Chief: “No terrorist, bandit, or criminal should be spared”

Gen. Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), has tasked operational commanders to make sure that no terrorist, bandit, or other criminal is spared in their respective domains of authority.

Musa issued the instruction on Saturday in Abuja at the conclusion of the inaugural Defence Headquarters Joint Task Force Commanders Conference, which had as its theme “Towards Enhancing Joint Task Force Operations for National Security.”

According to him, the accusation was in keeping with President Bola Tinubu’s order to the military and other security services to deal swiftly with any threats to the country’s security.

“I want you to remain focused, dedicated, and committed towards ensuring that we achieved the mandates of the president that no terrorists, no bandits, and no criminal should be spared,” he added.

According to Musa, the conference provided them with the opportunity to address the difficulties they confront, to share their experiences and lessons learned, and to jointly map out a plan for the future.

He emphasised his belief that the information learned, the connections made, and the ideas created during this meeting will considerably improve the efficacy and success of ongoing joint activities.

“One of the most important lessons from our conversations has been the value of teamwork.

“As leaders, it is crucial that we promote a climate of collaboration, synergy, and cooperation among our personnel.

“We can optimise our collective effect and accomplish our common goals by tearing down barriers, sharing resources, and utilising each other’s skills.

“Let’s bring this ‘jointness’ spirit back to our different task forces and incorporate it into how we work every day.

The necessity to change the various operations’ organisational structures was also observed and would be taken into account, he added.

In order to achieve operational effectiveness across all theatres of operations, Musa gave the commanders assurance that all identified operational issues would be resolved.

He claimed that in order to effectively resist new threats, the military had to constantly analyse and enhance its strategy, tactics, and capabilities.

He contends that preserving our operational edge requires adopting new technology, cultivating an innovative culture, and encouraging a learning mindset.

Additionally, he exhorted the commanders to always empower their people to think critically, to question received knowledge, and to accept change as they work towards continual development.

The CDS reiterated the importance of placing a priority on employee welfare and professional growth, stating that their greatest asset remains their people resource.

“As commanders, it is our duty to assure their safety, give them the resources and assistance they need, and foster an environment that fosters their growth and development.

“Let’s make investments in their education, mentoring, and professional development, understanding that their success is closely related to the success of our combined activities.

“I also want to highlight how crucial it is to develop and maintain close ties with the communities we serve.

“In our efforts to combat insurgency, terrorism, and other security concerns, the trust and support of the local population are essential.

“We must continue to interact with local authorities, religious figures, and other interested parties, paying attention to their worries, resolving their complaints, and including them in the decision-making procedures.

By doing this, he continued, “we can gain important insights, encourage collaboration, and create resilient communities that are actively engaged in securing their own futures.”

Musa challenged them to be brave, creative, and proactive in their approach to national security and urged them to leave the conference with a revitalised sense of purpose, a common vision for the future, and a commitment to greatness.

The Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), Operations Hadin Kai, Hadarin Daji, Safe Haven, Delta Safe, Whirl Stroke, and Whirl Punch commanders all took part in the discussion, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).