Today, we honor a soldier’s soldier, a leader’s leader, and a patriot whose life has been a testament to service, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
General Christopher Gwabin Musa’s retirement from active military service marks the end of an illustrious 39-year career dedicated to the defence and security of our beloved nation.
A Journey of Service and Sacrifice
From his enrollment in the Nigerian Defence Academy, NDA in 1991 as part of the 38th Regular Course to his appointment as Nigeria’s 18th Chief of Defence Staff in June 2023, General Musa’s career has been distinguished by excellence, courage, and exemplary leadership.
His journey through the ranks was marked by continuous learning and professional development, earning advanced diplomas and degrees in security management, defence strategies, and military science from institutions in Nigeria, China, and the United States.
Leadership in Times of Challenge
As Theatre Commander of ‘Operation Hadin Kai’ in 2021, General Musa demonstrated exceptional tactical acumen and strategic vision in confronting one of Nigeria’s most pressing security challenges.
His leadership during this critical period saved countless lives and restored hope to communities devastated by insurgency.
As Chief of Defence Staff, he led the Nigerian Armed Forces through complex and evolving security threats with wisdom, determination, and a deep sense of duty to the Nigerian people.
Recognition of Excellence.
Born on December 25, 1967, in Sokoto, and hailing from Zangon Kataf in Southern Kaduna State, General Musa has always remained connected to his roots and the people he served.
His humility, despite his high office, and his accessibility to both subordinates and citizens alike, distinguished him as a leader who understood that true greatness lies in service to others.
Generally Musa’s contributions to national security and peacekeeping have earned him numerous accolades, both nationally and internationally. Among his honors are:
The Colin Powell Meritorious Award for Soldiering (2022)
The Nelson Mandela Exemplary Leadership Award for outstanding contributions to peacekeeping (2022)
Nigeria Service Awards Lifetime Achievement Award (2023)
Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR)
The Nigerian Army Medal, Grand Service Star, and Field Command Medal of Honour
Beyond the Professional callings, General Musa championed peaceful coexistence between the Atyap people and Hausa-Fulani communities who have lived together for over 200 years.
His participation in meaningful dialogue helped transform the area from “crisis ridden Zangon-Kataf to a more economically viable and peaceful Zango,” where people previously feared being attacked when traveling through the area.
Due to his peace building efforts, the Agwam Atyap (traditional ruler), HRH Sir Dominic Gambo Yahaya, crowned General Musa as the TSWUNG ATYAP on December 31, 2023—a title meaning “advocate of national unity”.
The Middle Belt Forum lauded General Musa for his exemplary leadership, professionalism, and steadfast loyalty, noting that his achievements represent inspiration to the youth of the Middle Belt and beyond.
These awards and recognitions reflect not just personal achievement, but the respect and admiration of the international community for his professionalism and dedication to the noble cause of defending peace and territorial integrity.
A Legacy of Integrity and Professionalism
General Musa’s tenure as Chief of Defence Staff was characterized by his emphasis on joint operations, intelligence collaboration, and personnel welfare.
He understood that a strong military is built not just on hardware and strategy, but on the morale, training, and well-being of its men and women.
His leadership philosophy emphasized unity, discipline, and commitment to the constitutional duty of defending Nigeria.
A Continuing Mission.
As General Musa aptly stated at his retirement: “I may be retiring from service but my love for this country and my prayers for our Armed Forces will never end. The journey continues, the mission endures, and the duty never ends.”
These words capture the essence of a man who, though stepping away from active service, remains committed to Nigeria’s peace, unity, and progress.
His retirement is not a departure from duty but a transition to new ways of serving our great nation.
Historical Context
Prior to these developments, Southern Kaduna, which comprises 12 out of the 23 Local Government Areas in Kaduna State, spanning 57% of Kaduna State’s landmass and accounting for 52.1% of the population, had only one federal institution: the Federal School of Statistics in Manchok.
General Musa’s tenure witnessed the establishment of federal institutions in Southern Kaduna which represent significant achievements, addressing long-standing disparities in federal presence and providing crucial educational and healthcare infrastructure to the region.
1 Established of Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia
In February 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directed the transformation of the former Nok University into the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia. This was a landmark achievement for the region.
The university’s Governing Council and principal officers were inaugurated in March 2025, with Bishop Matthew Kukah appointed as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the governing council .
At the inauguration of the Federal University of Applied Sciences, General Christopher Musa assured of adequate security for the university and all learning institutions across the country, expressing optimism that the university would evolve into a Centre of academic excellence and a unifying platform for Nigerians in the region.
The university has since commenced academic activities in September, 2025
The National Universities Commission approved about 18 programs with a strong emphasis on applied sciences and technology, aligned with the government’s commitment to expanding STEM education .
Unlike other newly established institutions, the Kachia university has a budget already captured in the 2025 national budget, with no need for a special take-off grant as all essential infrastructure and facilities are already in place.
The Kaduna State Government under His Excellency, Sen. Uba Sani, allocated approximately 270 hectares of land for the university’s development
2. Establishment of Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Kafanchan.
The Senate passed the Federal Medical Centre Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in May 2025, establishing a Federal Medical Centre in Kafanchan.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General CG Musa, is reported to have personally met with the Minister of Health regarding the bills sponsored by his Southern Kaduna colleagues.
The Minister advised the CDS to request Governor Uba Sani to send a letter to the Ministry, formally approving the conversion of Yakowa Memorial Hospital into a Federal Medical Centre.
This demonstrates his humble disposition to collaborate beyond political or professional lines to achieve the desired results.
Following these collaborative efforts, President Bola Tinubu directed the conversion of the Sir Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa Memorial Hospital to a Federal Medical Centre, following the Kaduna State government’s decision to hand over the facility to the federal government.
3. Military Establishments in Southern Kaduna.
Since the appointment of General Musa and the service chiefs by President Bola Tinubu, the senseless killings that characterized the state of insecurity in Southern Kaduna have reduced drastically. Before their appointment, southern Kaduna was described as a killing field.
These strategic military deployments significantly helped in addressing the protracted banditry, kidnapping, and other security threats in the region and enhanced agricultural activities in the state.
General Musa demonstrated personal commitment to security in his home region by making multiple visits to military installations in Southern Kaduna, including visits in early January 2025 where he personally assessed operational readiness and assured troops of continued support and equipment provision.
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General Musa provided enablers and equipment for the military base in Samaru, Zangon Kataf Local Government Area to tackle insecurity challenges in Southern Kaduna and environs.
He also requested that Operation Safe Haven in the Southern Kaduna general area be expanded due to challenges around Zangon Kataf, Kaura, Kauru, and Sanga Local Government Areas.
The establishment and enhancement of these military facilities represented a significant investment in the security infrastructure of Southern Kaduna during his tenure as Chief of Defence Staff,CDS.
New Military Commands Established
Three new military commands were established through collaboration between Governor Uba Sani and General Christopher Musa: in Samaru Zangon-Kataf, Giwa, and Birnin-Gwari, in addition to an Air Force base planned for Millennium City, Chikun Local Area.
Samaru Military Base Enhancement
General Musa provided enablers and equipment for the military cantonment in Samaru, Zangon Kataf Local Government Area to tackle insecurity challenges in Southern Kaduna and environs.
During a visit to Sector 7 of Operation Safe Haven in Samaru in January 2025, General Musa told troops: “This new base will come with challenges, but we are here to address them. We will ensure you have the equipment and support needed to carry out your duties effectively”.
Expansion of Operation Safe Haven
General Musa requested that Operation Safe Haven in the Southern Kaduna general area be expanded due to security challenges around Zangon Kataf, Kaura, Kauru, and Sanga Local Government Areas.
Our Gratitude To Mr. President
We express our profound gratitude to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the exceptional wisdom and discernment demonstrated in appointing General Christopher Gwabin Musa CFR as the 18th Chief of Defence Staff of the Nigerian Armed Forces in June 2023.
Your decision to entrust General Musa with this critical national responsibility has yielded remarkable dividends for our nation’s security architecture.
Under his leadership, Nigeria has witnessed improved coordination among the armed forces, enhanced counter-insurgency operations, and a significant reduction in security threats across multiple theaters of operation, particularly in Southern Kaduna and the Northeast.
Mr. President, your commitment to merit-based appointments and your recognition of General Musa’s proven track record of excellence have not only strengthened our national defense but have also inspired confidence among Nigerians that competence and patriotism remain the guiding principles of leadership selection in our great nation.
His appointment as CDS was particularly meaningful for Southern Kaduna as it represented high-level representation from a region that has faced persistent security challenges.
His intimate knowledge of the area’s dynamics, combined with his national position, allowed him to advocate for and implement targeted security interventions in his home region while maintaining professionalism and national focus.
The establishment of new military commands, the expansion of security operations, and the improved welfare of military personnel under General Musa’s stewardship are testaments to the soundness of your judgment in selecting him for this vital role.
Thank you, Mr. President, for giving General Musa the platform to serve Nigeria at the highest level of military leadership. History will record this as a consequential decision that contributed significantly to our nation’s peace and security.
To General Christopher Gwabin Musa, we say thank you:
Thank you for your 39 years of meritorious service to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Thank you for your courage in the face of danger, your wisdom in times of uncertainty, and your steadfast commitment to the values that define our Armed Forces. Thank you for the lives saved, the territories defended, and the peace secured through your leadership.
To your family, who have stood beside you with unwavering support, sharing in the sacrifices that military life demands, we extend our deepest appreciation and respect.
As You Begin This New Chapter
As you transition from active military service, you leave behind a legacy of excellence that will continue to inspire generations of officers and enlisted personnel. You have set a standard of leadership, professionalism, and patriotism that serves as a beacon for all who wear the uniform.
May your retirement be filled with the peace you fought to secure for others. May you find joy in the company of family and friends, satisfaction in a life well-lived, and fulfillment in knowing that your service has made Nigeria safer and stronger.
The nation salutes you, General Christopher Gwabin Musa. Your duty to the uniform may have ended, but your place in the hearts of grateful Nigerians is eternal.
As in the words of John F. Kennedy, “A nation reveals itself not only by the men it produces but also by the men it honors, the men it remembers”. As a region, Southern Kaduna and indeed the Middle Belt, must go beyond ethnic linings to acknowledging merit.
The region needs to celebrate and honor a General whose legacies of service, dedication, commitment and patriotism bring hope to a region that has suffered neglect by successive administrations.
We honor you. We remember you. We thank you.
Hamisu Gambo, PhD
08105170316
gambohamisu2016@gmail.com
