Defence chief to JTF commanders: No terrorist, bandit must be spared

Christopher Musa, chief of defence staff, has asked operational commanders to ensure that no terrorist, bandit or criminal is spared.

Musa gave the directive on Saturday at the maiden Defence Headquarters (DHQ) joint task force commanders conference in Abuja.

He said the directive was in line with President Bola Tinubu’s mandate to the armed forces and other security agencies to deal decisively with all threats to national security.

“I want you to remain focused, dedicated and committed towards ensuring that we achieve the mandates of the president that no terrorists, no bandits, no criminal should be spared,” he said.

“One of the key takeaways from our discussions has been the importance of unity of effort.

“As commanders, it is imperative that we foster a culture of cooperation, collaboration, and synergy among our forces.

“By breaking down barriers, sharing resources, and leveraging each other’s strengths, we can maximise our collective impact and achieve our shared objectives.

“Let us bring this spirit of ‘jointness’ back to our respective task forces and integrate it into our daily operations.

“Similarly, the need to reform the structures of the various operations was keenly noted and will be considered.”

Musa assured the commanders that all challenges would be addressed to ensure effectiveness in theatres of operation.

He urged the commanders to always encourage and empower their troops to think creatively and challenge conventional wisdom.

The CDS also spoke on the need to prioritise the welfare and professional development of personnel.

“As commanders, we have a responsibility to ensure their well-being, provide them with the necessary resources and support, and create an environment that nurtures their growth and development,” he said.

“Let us invest in their training, mentorship, and career progression, recognizing that their success is intricately tied to the success of our joint operations.

“I would also like to emphasise the importance of building and maintaining strong relationships with the communities we serve.

“The trust and support of the local population are critical in our efforts to counter-insurgency, terrorism, and other security challenges.

“We must continue to engage with community leaders, religious leaders, and other stakeholders, listening to their concerns, addressing their grievances, and involving them in the decision-making processes.

“By doing so, we can gain valuable insights, foster cooperation, and build resilient communities that are actively involved in securing their own futures.”

Musa urged the commanders to be bold, innovative, and proactive in their approach to national security.