Shedding of Innocent Blood is Over, Declares Nigeria’s New Minister of Defence

By Emmanuel Kwada

The Nigeria’s newly appointed Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, has declared an end to the era of violence and the shedding of innocent blood.

Speaking during a meeting with Service Chiefs and Directors of the Ministry of Defence, General Musa emphasized the urgent need for peace and security across the country.

“The shedding of innocent blood must stop,” General Musa stated firmly. “Our children should be able to go back to school, and farmers should visit their farms without fear.”

His words resonate with millions of Nigerians who have been affected by the ongoing security challenges, including the Boko Haram insurgency, banditry, and communal violence.

General Musa’s appointment comes at a critical juncture, following a surge in mass kidnappings and Islamist attacks that prompted President Bola Tinubu to declare a national security emergency.

The former Chief of Defence Staff, who retired in October 2025, was confirmed as Minister of Defence by the Senate on December 3, 2025, amidst expectations for a robust response to the country’s security crises.

During the meeting, General Musa outlined a comprehensive strategy to restore peace and stability. He pledged an inclusive leadership approach, focusing on strengthening joint operations, ensuring timely welfare for troops to boost morale, and advancing intelligence-driven and technology-enabled operations.

“With the support and prayers we are getting from all Nigerians, we cannot fail,” he assured.

The Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, and other Service Chiefs expressed their commitment to supporting General Musa’s vision.

“We will go to support this cause and make Nigerians believe more in us,” Lieutenant General Oluyede affirmed, underscoring the collective resolve to improve the security landscape.

The Minister’s address also highlighted the broader implications of insecurity, particularly its impact on education and agriculture—two pillars of Nigeria’s socio-economic development. The inability of children to attend school and farmers to work their lands has exacerbated poverty and hindered national progress.

As General Musa assumes his role, the international community watches closely. The United States, which has seen strained relations with Nigeria over allegations of Christian persecution, may find common ground in the new minister’s focus on human rights and security. Crisis Group, an international NGO, has long advocated for regional and gender-specific approaches to ending violence in Nigeria, aligning with General Musa’s inclusive strategy.

The road ahead is fraught with challenges, but General Musa’s declaration marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s quest for peace. “Nigeria would be better,” he promised, as the nation holds its breath for a new chapter in its security narrative.