Defence Minister Says Armed Forces Central To Nigeria’s Stability, Survival

The Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa, said the Armed Forces of Nigeria remains central to the country’s stability, unity and survival amid evolving national security challenges.

Musa, represented by Maj.-Gen. Bala Isandu Rtd, stated this at the Gala Night and 40th Anniversary Reunion of the Short Service Combatant Course 27 of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), on Saturday night in Abuja.

He celebrated the alumni for decades of service in defence of the nation describing them as the “shine stars” of the academy.

The minister, however, urged serving and retired officers to sustain professionalism, unity and operational discipline, noting that the complexity of current security threats required stronger cohesion across all levels of command.

He described members of Course 27 as part of a “special brotherhood forged in sacrifice,” adding that their contributions had remained visible in counter-insurgency, peace support operations and internal security across the country.

Musa commended their resilience and commitment, saying many had risen to strategic leadership positions in the Armed Forces and other sectors of national development.

In his goodwill message, Maj.-Gen. John Malu Rtd, described the reunion as a deeply fulfilling experience, noting that the journey since 1986 had been marked by shared sacrifices, growth, and enduring friendship.

Malu said many members had gone on to serve in different capacities, with some retiring early and others reaching the peak of their careers, adding that the bond formed at the academy had remained strong over the decades.

He stressed that physical reunions remained vital, as they offered opportunities to reconnect beyond virtual platforms, refresh the mind, and relive shared experiences from both operational and non-operational engagements.

In his remarks, the Course President, Maj.-Gen. Okechukwu Ugo Rtd, said the reunion marked 40 years since their commissioning in 1986, describing the occasion as a renewed affirmation of camaraderie and shared military heritage.

He said members of the course had served in various operational theatres, command appointments and international missions, stressing that their experiences underscored the enduring value of service and sacrifice.

Ugo called for sustained bonds among coursemates, noting that such relationships remained critical for mentorship, welfare support and institutional memory within the military community.