CDS warns troops against harming ‘innocent civilians’

Christopher Musa, the chief of defence staff (CDS), has warned the armed forces against harming “innocent civilians” during operations.

Speaking on Friday at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna state, where he inaugurated several training and welfare projects,  Musa noted that the military’s primary responsibility is to protect Nigerians, not harm them.

He further cautioned officers against abandoning their responsibilities for personal gain, noting that junior commanders would be deployed to challenging terrains to safeguard the country and its citizens.

Musa also highlighted the evolving nature of modern warfare, stressing the need for officers and cadets to adapt to advancements such as artificial intelligence in tackling insecurity.

“We must understand that the Armed Forces of Nigeria is for Nigeria and for Nigerians. Our duty is to protect Nigeria, to protect our sovereignty whether within or outside, it is not to harm innocent people, that we must understand,” he said.

“And for cadets, as you grow in the system, understand this clearly, our duty is to protect and defend our country.”

Musa inaugurated several projects, including the NDA emergency and trauma centre and a fleet of vehicles.

He also launched the Department of Security and Defence Studies, the basic officers training wing, the Department of Psychology, the NDA Primary School Children’s Park, the Sports Centre, and the NDA Boarding Secondary School.

Additionally, Musa performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the expansion of the NDA Hospital, which he said will include a maternity ward, funded by the 38 Regular Course.

The CDS inaugurated the academy’s Officers’ Mess and Golf Club, featuring 39 suites and studios in honour of the 39 Regular Course, and commenced construction of the NDA Officers’ Wives Association Secretariat and Skills Acquisition Centre.

Also speaking at the event, John Ochai, commandant of the NDA, harped on the role of information technology in addressing security issues like terrorism and banditry.

He noted the academy’s efforts to integrate Information Communication Technology (ICT) into its training programmes, aiming to equip cadets with the skills needed to tackle emerging security challenges.

CIVILIAN CASUALTIES FROM RECENT AIR STRIKES 

The defence chief’s remarks come amid growing concerns over civilian casualties resulting from military airstrikes targeting terrorist groups.

On 11 January, a military aircraft mistakenly struck locals and vigilantes in Tungar Kara, Maradun, Zamfara state, killing 20 people.

A similar incident occurred on Christmas Day 2024, when 10 civilians were reportedly killed in Gidan Bisa and Rumtuwa villages in Silame, Sokoto state, during another misfired airstrike.

In December 2023, Musa reaffirmed the military’s commitment to protecting Nigerians and pledged to minimise civilian casualties in future operations.