“Coup Era Over” – Nigeria Winning War Against Insecurity, Gen. Musa Declares

By Emmanuel Kwada 

In a resolute address marking the somber anniversary of Nigeria’s first military coup, Defence Minister General Christopher Musa (Rtd) declared that the nation is nearer to achieving lasting security than at any time in recent history, while firmly rejecting any notion of future coups and urging citizens to withhold support from terrorists.

Musa, a former Chief of Defence Staff, emphasized during an exclusive interview with ARISE News on Thursday—coinciding with Armed Forces Remembrance Day on January 15—that Nigeria’s painful history of military interventions must remain buried.

Minister of Defense, Gen Christopher Musa (rtd)

“January 15, 1966, was an unfortunate incident that occurred, and like we said, it’s part of the history of Nigeria, and so we can’t do away with it,” he reflected.

“The important thing is, what do we do after that? How do we prevent repeating such mistakes in the future?”

Highlighting the military’s commitment to democracy, Musa praised the Armed Forces for subordinating themselves to civilian authority.

Military actually thrives better in a democracy. For us in Nigeria, it’s always been very better when we have a democratic government in place.

“The Nigerian military have stood up to its responsibility, subjecting itself to civilian rule,” he said.

“And you can see that the military actually thrives better in a democracy. For us in Nigeria, it’s always been very better when we have a democratic government in place.”

He delivered a stark warning against any attempts to undermine democratic norms: “First and foremost, to know that coup is wrong. Nobody should ever have that in mind. From now onwards, nobody should ever think of carrying out a coup or something in Nigeria. We must all put our hands together to support the democratic norms in place.”

File photo of Bandits somewhere in north-west Nigeria.

On the security front, Musa acknowledged ongoing threats from insurgency and banditry but expressed optimism about progress.

“I think we’re closer now than ever before. Broadly, the atmosphere is getting a lot better than how it used to be. But we need to do more,” he stated.

He attributed the persistence of these groups to civilian complicity, noting, “What we see is why these guys are thriving is because we have some certain individuals that still support them—trying to trade with them, giving them food, logistics and information about troop movements. If Nigerians decide today not to support them, communities that have done so are free.”

The minister stressed that defeating terrorism requires collective effort beyond security forces.

Once you see something going wrong, report as quickly as possible.

“The security man cannot be everywhere. Everybody has a responsibility. Once you see something going wrong, report as quickly as possible,” he urged.

Addressing critiques of intelligence lapses, he explained the perils troops face, such as improvised explosive devices (IEDs): “Because of IEDs, if you have information and you want to move 10 kilometres, it could take you more than five hours. If you make a mistake and step on an IED, everybody is dead. These are the challenges we have.”

Musa framed Nigeria’s struggles within a broader global context, calling for international collaboration.

“What’s going on now is a world challenge. Look at Mozambique, Burkina Faso, Mali, Nigeria. Just like ISIS, the entire world must come together to fight it,” he said.

He dismissed inflammatory remarks from former U.S. President Donald Trump about potential military intervention in Nigeria, asserting national sovereignty: “The rhetoric was overblown. Nigeria is a sovereign country. No country will just fly into Nigeria and do whatever it feels like doing. Whatever America does with Nigeria will be discussed, planned and executed together.”

Rejecting narratives of religiously motivated violence as state policy, Musa clarified that attacks affect all Nigerians indiscriminately.

Sometimes we take religion to the extreme.

“Nigerians are being killed—Christians, Muslims, non-Christians, non-Muslims. It is not a federal government policy to go after Christians. These are criminal elements,” he said.

He acknowledged communal fears but advocated for unity: “Fear is natural. Perception exists. I grew up in Sokoto, and I had one of the best upbringings of my life. Sometimes we take religion to the extreme. But we’re getting better at understanding each other.”

The defence chief issued a stern admonition to those aiding or excusing terrorists, including through media or rhetoric: “Anybody who supports a criminal is a criminal. Whether you give them funds, logistics, information or encourage them through the media—you are part of them.”

He cautioned influencers and religious leaders: “We should be careful what we say. Your freedom should not infringe on others. Once you cross the red line, action will be taken. Nobody is above the government. Nobody is above the law.”

Musa highlighted advancements in U.S. military aid, describing recent equipment deliveries as transformative: “It’s good. It makes a lot of difference to us. American equipment is tested and trusted. You get the best of the best.”

From left: The Honorable Minister of Defence Gen CG Musa(rtd) OFR, Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun,  Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and other dignitaries at the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day Parade and Wreath-Laying Ceremony, January 15 2026, at the National Arcade, Abuja.

He also touted Nigeria’s burgeoning domestic defence industry following the DICON Bill: “Companies are now producing drones, APCs, MRAPs in Nigeria. Economically and operationally, this will enhance our capabilities.”

Border security, he added, is being fortified through a mix of technology and personnel: “Not everywhere needs a physical fence. We have electronic fences, drones, satellites. The federal government is taking it very seriously.”

Blaming lax local governance for exacerbating insecurity, Musa called for proactive measures: “Local government chairmen must hold weekly security meetings. If 20 local governments are active, I can bet you things will get better.”

If 20 local governments are active, I can bet you things will get better

Defining success in his role, Musa painted a vision of normalcy: “Success is Nigerians sleeping with their eyes closed. Students going to school without fear. Markets flourishing. Visitors coming into Nigeria without fear.”

He concluded on an hopeful note: “Things have changed, and things are going to change. But we need everybody on board. That is very critical for us.”

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