….he bows out leaving lasting legacies in the Nigerian Military
By Emma Kwada
Mr. Tom Garba, publisher of TGNews and a proud son of Garun Kurama, Lere Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna State, in a compelling and flawless tribute to former Nigerian Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, described the veteran on Saturday as a “titan of valor.”
“In the storied history of Nigeria’s military, few figures have left as profound an impact as General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd.), the recently retired Chief of Defence Staff (CDS),” Garba began.
“His departure from active service is not merely the close of a chapter but a moment to celebrate a legacy that has bolstered Nigeria’s fight against insecurity and ignited a flame of hope for future generations.
“As an investigative journalist and the publisher of TGNews, hailing from Garun Kurama, Lere LGA of Kaduna State, I am honored to pay tribute to a man whose life’s work has woven a tapestry of courage, leadership, and unwavering patriotism,” Garba wrote, his pen flowing in melodies of words.
General Musa’s tenure as CDS marked a defining era in Nigeria’s battle against a complex web of security challenges—insurgency, banditry, and communal strife. His renewed fight against deadly groups of Boko Haram, ISIS, Kidnappers has earned him noble name “a General and defender of the masses.
“Stepping into the role at a time when the nation’s resilience was under severe strain, he brought a blend of strategic genius and unyielding resolve that transformed the military’s approach to these threats. His leadership was a beacon in turbulent times, guiding Nigeria toward stability with a steady hand,” Garba stated.
Garba continued with the highlights: “A master tactician, General Musa orchestrated a series of operations that reshaped Nigeria’s security landscape. His oversight of Operation Hadin Kai in the North East, Operation Safe Haven in Plateau, Operation Whirl Punch and Operation Forest Sanity in the North West, and the newly established Operation FANSAN Yamma in the North Central and North West regions demonstrated his ability to manage intricate, multi-front campaigns.
“These operations, underpinned by intelligence-driven strategies and seamless inter-agency coordination, struck decisive blows against terrorist networks and bandit strongholds, bringing relief to communities long gripped by fear.
“Under his command, Operation Hadin Kai achieved remarkable success in dismantling Boko Haram and ISWAP enclaves in the North East. Thousands of terrorists were neutralized, hostages were liberated, and critical infrastructure was safeguarded.
“General Musa’s commitment to a dual approach pairing military force with community engagement fostered trust between civilians and security forces, laying the foundation for lasting peace.
In the North West, Operation Whirl Punch and Operation Forest Sanity targeted bandit operations with precision, disrupting their logistics and safe havens. The launch of Operation FANSAN Yamma reflected his forward-thinking vision, addressing the evolving nature of banditry through a coordinated, regional strategy.”
Yet, General Musa’s impact extended far beyond the battlefield. He was a tireless advocate for modernizing Nigeria’s armed forces, pushing for cutting-edge weaponry, enhanced training, and improved welfare for troops.
His frequent visits to frontline units were more than ceremonial they were heartfelt gestures of solidarity with the men and women who faced danger daily. He believed that a soldier’s well-being was as vital as their arsenal, and his policies ensured better medical care, timely allowances, and a culture of respect within the ranks.
“Central to his philosophy was the power of collaboration. Understanding that Nigeria’s security challenges required a unified effort, General Musa forged unprecedented synergy among the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, and other paramilitary agencies.
“His establishment of joint task forces and intelligence-sharing platforms revolutionized the military’s ability to respond swiftly to threats. Internationally, he strengthened Nigeria’s partnerships, securing critical support in equipment, training, and intelligence, which amplified the nation’s defense capabilities,” Garba noted.
According to Garba, “What set General Musa apart, however, was not just his professional acumen but his humanity. Humble yet resolute, approachable yet disciplined, he was the embodiment of a soldier-statesman.
“His interactions with junior officers and civilians alike were marked by a warmth that inspired trust and loyalty. Rooted in the values of his hometown, Lere, Kaduna State, he carried the principles of resilience, community, and honor into every aspect of his service. To those who knew him, he was more than a general he was a mentor, a patriot, and a symbol of hope.”
“General Musa’s vision extended beyond security to the heart of nation-building. He championed youth empowerment as a long-term antidote to unrest, advocating for programs that tackled poverty and unemployment—the root causes of insecurity.
“His speeches often called for a united Nigeria, where diversity is a source of strength rather than division. In a nation often fractured by politics and ethnicity, his message of unity was a powerful reminder of our shared destiny,” Garba added.
As General Musa steps away from active service, Nigeria stands indebted to a leader whose tenure was a masterclass in courage and competence.
The relative calm in regions once ravaged by violence safer roads in Borno, quieter nights in Plateau bears witness to his extraordinary contributions. Yet, his retirement is not a farewell but a new beginning—an opportunity for this titan of valor to inspire through mentorship, advocacy, or public service.
“For me, as a son of Lere, General Musa’s journey is deeply personal. His rise from our shared homeland to the zenith of Nigeria’s military is a testament to the potential within every Nigerian, given determination and purpose. His life challenges us all to serve with integrity, lead with compassion, and stand firm in the face of adversity,” Garba said.
As we honor General Christopher Gwabin Musa’s remarkable career, we do not bid farewell to his influence. His legacy lives in the communities he protected, the soldiers he uplifted, and the hope he restored.
Nigeria salutes you, General Musa. Your service has been a gift, your courage a shield, and your vision a guiding light. From Lere to the nation, I, Tom Garba, say: thank you, sir, for a legacy that will forever illuminate Nigeria’s path.
