By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
The immediate past Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa (retd.), officially bowed out of the Nigerian Armed Forces on Friday, declaring that he departs “with a clear conscience” after nearly four decades of dedicated service to the nation.
The pull-out parade, held at Mogadishu Cantonment, Abuja, was attended by top military officers, government dignitaries, family members, and friends who gathered to honour the outgoing CDS for his steadfast leadership and commitment to national security.
“As I hang my uniform today, I do so with a clear conscience, knowing that I gave my all,” Musa said in his farewell speech. “I leave with cherished memories of camaraderie—of battles fought and triumphs celebrated as one family. The sound of the bugle may change for me, but the soldier’s heart beats on forever.”
Appointed on June 19, 2023, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, General Musa’s tenure as CDS was marked by intensified counter-insurgency operations against Boko Haram, ISWAP, and banditry in the Northwest and other troubled regions.
Reflecting on his time in service, Musa underscored the importance of unity and inter-agency collaboration in tackling Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
“There is no single institution or organization that can win this war alone,” he stated. “We must synergize, collaborate, and fight together. I appeal to all Nigerians to pray for our troops and security forces—together we shall succeed, and Nigeria shall continue to develop.”
The retired general expressed deep appreciation to President Tinubu for entrusting him with the nation’s highest military office, describing the appointment as “an honour I did not take for granted.”
Although retiring from active service, Musa affirmed his continued patriotism and commitment to the country.
“I might be retiring from active military service today, but I’m by no means retiring from my love for Nigeria. I remain a soldier at heart and a patriot ever loyal to the constitution and sovereignty of our great nation,” he said.
He also paid tribute to his family, describing them as “the unsung heroes” who endured long absences and the anxiety that comes with military life. Musa extended gratitude to the media, sister security agencies, and the Nigerian public for their support throughout his tenure.
Congratulating his successor, General Olufemi Oluyede, who officially assumed office on Thursday, Musa urged officers and personnel to demonstrate the same loyalty and professionalism under the new leadership.
“The baton has been passed—carry it with pride,” he charged.
The highlight of the ceremony was the traditional pulling-out of the retired CDS from the Guard of Honour, marking his formal exit from active service. As the national anthem played and the flags dipped, applause echoed across the parade ground in tribute to a career defined by dedication, discipline, and quiet resolve.
General Musa’s retirement closes a significant chapter in Nigeria’s military leadership. Yet, his parting message resonated as both reflection and call to action: the mission for peace continues, and the hope for a stronger nation endures.
