Immediate past Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa (retd.), says he is bowing out of service with a clear conscience, having given his best to the Nigerian Armed Forces and the fight against insecurity.
Speaking yesterday at his pull-out parade in Abuja, General Musa said he served the country with dedication, integrity and accountability throughout his nearly 40-year military career.
“As I hang my uniform today, I do so with a clear conscience, knowing that I gave my all,” he said. “I leave with cherished memories of camaraderie — of battles fought and triumphs celebrated as one family.
The sound of the bugle may change for me, but the soldier’s heart beats on forever.”
The retired defence chief expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for the opportunity to serve as Chief of Defence Staff, describing the appointment as an honour he would never take for granted.
He pledged continued loyalty to the President and the nation, even in retirement.
“I might be retiring from active military service today, but I’m by no means retiring from my love for our dear country, Nigeria,” Musa said. “I remain a soldier at heart and a patriot ever loyal to the constitution and sovereignty of our great nation.”
General Musa, who served as CDS for over two years, emphasised that the battle against insecurity requires stronger collaboration among security and intelligence agencies, stressing that the military alone cannot achieve success.
“There is no single institution or organisation that can win this war alone,” he stated. “We must synergise, collaborate and fight together. I appeal to all Nigerians to continue praying for our troops and security forces.
Together, we shall succeed and Nigeria will continue to develop.”
He congratulated his successor, General Olufemi Oluyede, urging officers and men of the Armed Forces to extend to him the same loyalty and professionalism.
Musa also thanked his family, describing them as “unsung heroes” for enduring long periods of separation and sacrifice during his years of service.
He equally appreciated the media and other security agencies for their support during his tenure.
General Musa was appointed Chief of Defence Staff on June 19, 2023, by President Tinubu, following a major shake-up in the nation’s security hierarchy.
His retirement comes as General Oluyede formally assumes office as the new Chief of Defence Staff.