By Nkechi Eze
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, OFR, has commended the Northern Traditional Rulers Council for their steadfast commitment to peace, unity, and national stability, describing traditional institutions as indispensable partners in Nigeria’s collective pursuit of enduring security.
In an official statement signed by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the Defence Chief gave the commendation in a goodwill message delivered during the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council General Assembly held on Tuesday, 21 October 2025, in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State.
General Musa congratulated His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto and Chairman of the Council, as well as other esteemed monarchs in attendance, and described the theme of the Assembly, “Strengthening Community Collaboration for Lasting Peace and Security in Northern Nigeria,” as both timely and highly significant. He emphasized that the topic reflects the indispensable role of traditional rulers as custodians of culture, morality, and communal harmony—key ingredients for lasting peace and stability in the region.
According to him, traditional rulers represent the foundation of governance and remain the most trusted link between government and the people. He noted that their efforts in conflict resolution, mediation, and intelligence gathering have greatly enhanced the operational successes of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) across various theatres of operations.
“The support and partnership of our revered traditional leaders have been invaluable to our peacebuilding efforts. Their deep understanding of local dynamics and influence among their people have continued to shape the progress we are making in tackling insecurity,” he stated.
General Musa reiterated that sustainable peace cannot be imposed by force but must be nurtured through trust, dialogue, and collective responsibility. He therefore called for a “whole-of-society” approach that brings together traditional rulers, youth and women groups, religious bodies, and government agencies to counter violent narratives and promote unity and tolerance.
While reaffirming the unwavering resolve of the Armed Forces to defend Nigeria’s territorial integrity and protect all citizens, the CDS expressed deep appreciation for the continued support of traditional rulers to military operations. He urged the Council to sustain its collaboration with the military and other security agencies in the quest to achieve enduring peace and development in the North and across the country.
General Musa also commended the Northern Traditional Rulers Council for its visionary leadership, dedication, and enduring contributions to regional development. He expressed optimism that the Assembly would strengthen existing partnerships, renew national hope, and deepen cooperation between traditional institutions and security agencies.
Earlier during his visit to the Kebbi State Government House, General Musa commended the developmental strides of the state government and expressed gratitude to Governor Nasir Idris for his unwavering support to the Armed Forces and other security agencies operating in the state. He described Kebbi as “home” and acknowledged the governor’s provision of logistics and vehicles to enhance security operations as a remarkable gesture of partnership.
“The cooperation of state governments, such as that of Kebbi, remains vital to our success in restoring peace and stability. The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain fully committed to ensuring that Kebbi State, the North West, and indeed our entire nation return to the peaceful and prosperous state we once knew,” he assured.
In response, the Executive Governor of Kebbi State praised the relentless efforts of the Armed Forces in safeguarding lives and property across the state. He said their dedication deserves full support, which informed the government’s recent provision of operational vehicles and logistics to security agencies. The governor further commended General Musa’s leadership and the deployment of armoured vehicles and special forces to the state, describing his leadership style as “exemplary and inspiring.”
In a related development, the CDS is scheduled to attend the grand finale of the General Christopher Musa Peace and Unity Cup 2025, billed to hold at the FIFA Goal Project Stadium in Birnin Kebbi. The football tournament, which seeks to promote peace, unity, and social cohesion, has attracted participants from Zamfara, Kebbi, and Sokoto States, with the Governor of Kebbi State expected to grace the final match.
