…hails troops’ courage, urges continued unity and patriotism
By Nkechi Eze
was a day steeped in emotion, pride, and reflection as the Armed Forces of Nigeria on Thursday, October 30, 2025, rolled out the drums in honour of one of its most distinguished sons, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, who formally bowed out of active military service after an illustrious career spanning nearly four decades of dedicated service to the nation.
The grand pulling-out parade, held at the Mogadishu Cantonment in Abuja, was a spectacle of colour, precision, and pageantry, befitting a man whose leadership as the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) symbolized discipline, patriotism, and selfless commitment to Nigeria’s security and unity. The event brought together the Honourable Minister of Defence, Service Chiefs, former Chiefs of Defence Staff, members of the National Assembly, heads of security agencies, captains of industry, traditional rulers, senior military officers both serving and retired, family members, and well-wishers all gathered to celebrate a soldier’s journey of honour.
From the solemn march of the guards to the crisp salute of the ceremonial parade, every moment reflected the deep respect the Nigerian military community holds for General Musa, a man whose name became synonymous with courage, integrity, and quiet but resolute leadership.
Taking the podium for his valedictory address, General Musa spoke from the depths of his heart, urging members of the Armed Forces to “continue to believe in Nigeria,” a country he described as worth every sacrifice and struggle. He expressed profound gratitude to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the confidence reposed in him to lead the military at a crucial time in the nation’s history.
Reflecting on a 39-year, four-month-long career, General Musa described his journey as one of honour, sacrifice, and divine privilege. “I have witnessed your raw courage in the face of danger, your resilience under the most demanding conditions, and your unwavering commitment to the unity and peace of our dear country,” he said with visible emotion. “You are the best of us, and it has been the highest honour of my life to be your comrade and your leader.”
The retired Defence Chief, who was widely respected for his calm yet firm leadership style, urged troops to remain steadfast, loyal, and professional in the face of challenges, emphasizing that “defeat is temporal, but victory is forever.” He called on personnel to continue upholding the sacred military values of loyalty, sacrifice, and selfless service, describing them as the bedrock of Nigeria’s enduring military tradition.
General Musa extended his appreciation to the Nigerian people, particularly the youth for their faith, resilience, and prayers for peace and progress. He commended the media for serving as strategic partners in promoting national unity and security, and also lauded the synergy between the Armed Forces and other security agencies, including the Nigerian Police, Department of State Services (DSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), and Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), which he said contributed significantly to the nation’s collective security efforts.
In a deeply personal reflection, the retired General turned his gratitude homeward, acknowledging his wife and children as “the unsung heroes” of his career. “They bore the burden of my frequent absences, long deployments, and the uncertainty that comes with service. Their strength made my duty possible,” he said, his voice laden with emotion.
Though retiring from active duty, General Musa made it clear that his love for Nigeria remains undiminished. “Though I retire from active service today, I am by no means retiring from my love for our dear country. I remain a soldier at heart and a patriot ever loyal to the Constitution and sovereignty of our great nation,” he declared to resounding applause.
The retired CDS also emphasized the imperative of inter-agency collaboration, reminding all security institutions that no single body can secure the nation in isolation. “We must synergize, collaborate, and fight together. I urge all Nigerians to continue to pray for our troops and support the security forces so that together, we can win. Nigeria shall continue to grow and prosper,” he affirmed.
General Musa expressed appreciation to the current Chief of Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs, and the Ministry of Defence for what he described as “a well-coordinated and deeply moving pulling-out ceremony,” dedicating the event to the men and women of the Nigerian Armed Forces who continue to defend the nation’s peace with courage and honour.
Highlights of the colourful ceremony included the ceremonial parade, the symbolic lowering of colours, and the official pulling-out of the distinguished officer from active service, a traditional military rite that signified the end of an era and the beginning of another chapter in the General’s life of service to the nation.
As the parade marched past in slow, dignified rhythm, the atmosphere was charged with emotion. It marked not just the retirement of a soldier, but the close of an era defined by service, patriotism, and quiet devotion to duty.
General Musa leaves behind a legacy of leadership anchored on faith in Nigeria’s resilience and destiny. His parting message, ringing through the parade ground, was simple yet profound, a call to every soldier and citizen alike: to keep believing in Nigeria, because, in his words, “our nation remains worth fighting for.”
