Terrorism: CDS urges new Major Generals to make 2025 decisive

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has charged newly promoted Major Generals to make 2025 a decisive year in the fight against terrorism and banditry.

He noted that their promotion to the enviable rank of Major General is a clear indication of the reward for hard work in the Armed Forces.

Speaking at the decoration ceremony of 35 newly promoted Army Major Generals in Abuja, he urged them to remain committed to the task ahead, prioritising the nation above self-interest.

He said, “Our nation is going through so much, and it takes men of steel and character for us to succeed. That is what we aim for.
“The rank of Major General signifies not only a high level of responsibility but also a deep sense of duty towards our country and its people. I, therefore, congratulate you and your families on achieving this laudable feat. Today is, however, not only a day for celebration but also a clarion call to the tasks ahead.

“Having reached the peak of your careers, always remember that the Nigerian Army and the Armed Forces will continue to rely on the leadership and expertise of individuals like you to safeguard our country and its people. Nigeria is looking up to us. We must do everything to defend democracy in Nigeria and across the sub-region. It is a duty and a task for all of us to perform.

“We have been dealing with insurgencies, terrorism, and banditry for 15, 16 years and still counting. I think it is high time we dealt with it finally, and I know we can do it. So, I want to call on all of us to put on our thinking caps and make that great sacrifice so that 2025 should be a determining year for the Armed Forces of Nigeria.”

General Musa called on Nigerians to support members of the Armed Forces and other security agencies, adding, “We cannot do it alone. We must be partners in progress.”

He urged the Major Generals to remain loyal, disciplined, and committed to their duties.

“Remember that your actions and inactions will not only reflect on you but also on the entire Armed Forces and the nation in general. I, therefore, urge you to continue to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and patriotism and to foster strong collaborations with your colleagues to achieve our national security objectives,” he said.

“Do not forget your responsibility to protect democratic governance and loyalty to constituted authority as it is non-negotiable.
Always remember the numerous security challenges confronting our country as you will be in positions and offices that require critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Your novel ideas, solutions and innovative thinking will be vital to the success of the Armed Forces.

“You are now critical links between the political class and the lower echelons of the Nigerian Army. In all we do, we must never take our eyes off our troops. Once we make our troops happy, we can be sure of achieving success.”

He further charged them to improve the welfare of the troops under their command.

He said, “Your actions must improve the Armed Forces. Be careful with your words and utterances, and most importantly, key into the vision of the Chief of Army Staff and that of the Armed Forces. All of us are working in sync to ensure that there is total peace in Nigeria.”

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen Olufemi Oluyede, reminded the newly promoted Major Generals that with higher rank comes higher responsibilities.

He said the system has played its part by recognising their hard work, and it is now time for them to play their part for the state.

“From now onwards, more accountability will be required and demanded of you. As Major Generals, what you do or fail to do matters a lot to the system and particularly national security.

“Therefore, I charge you all to always keep your new status in mind to avoid embarrassing the military establishment and profession and particularly to justify the confidence that has been imposed on you,” he said.

The COAS reminded the newly promoted senior officers that “a reality with promotion to Major General is that, technically, you have reached the pinnacle of your career, and the home run is on.

“This is a fact that the majority fail to come to terms with until they are forced to do so, and the boats will start sailing,” he added.

General Oluyede urged them to start preparing for post-service life quietly, cautioning that such plans should not interfere with their jobs in any way to avoid a conflict of interest.

He said, “I am aware of the agitation about the possible effect of the new HTACOS on promotion vacancies to two-star. Let me allay your fears by saying that the vacancy chart has been carefully studied to ensure no career prospects are jeopardised. I assure you that it can and it will only improve. So, I charge those affected by the adjustment to the number of years from Brig-Gen to Major General to redouble their efforts and commitments, and the system shall recognise them in due season.”

He urged those who did not succeed at the board not to despair but to work harder and trust God for better luck next time.
“I must remind you that the Armed Forces structure is not designed for everyone to reach the top of the pyramid. As such, reality may differ from our desires. We must, therefore, accept this reality in very good faith,” he said.