Ex-Military Leaders Reveal Their Key Expectations for the Nominee
Retired senior military officers yesterday described Gen. Musa as a “perfect fit” with the experience, temperament and vision to drive sweeping reforms in the armed forces and deliver decisive responses to insecurity.In separate interviews, former Director of Defence Information (DDI), Maj.-Gen. Chris Olukolade (rtd); former Multinational Joint Task Force Commander, Maj.-Gen. Gadzama Ali (rtd); and immediate past Chief of Defence Civil-Military Relations (CDCMR), Rear Admiral Olusanya Bankole (rtd), expressed confidence that Musa’s appointment signalled stronger coordination, better welfare for troops and more effective inter-agency collaboration.The retired officers agreed that Musa’s ascendancy, widely believed to make him the youngest Defence Minister since the return to democracy, should herald a bold, reform-driven approach to national security. They expressed confidence that his professional grounding, calm disposition and extensive networks positioned him to confront the country’s security challenges with clarity and courage.
Maj.-Gen. Ali described Gen. Musa as “the perfect match”.He noted that his nomination was the culmination of decades of exemplary service and national commitment. He said the former CDS possessed a deep understanding of Nigeria’s security challenges and social complexities, having served extensively across different regions and operational theatres.
“Gen. Musa served in the Niger Delta, the Southwest and virtually every part of the country. He knows the terrain, the people and the dynamics. There is nowhere he is not known,” he said.
Ali recalled Musa’s early recognition as an officer, including a Chief of Army Staff commendation for his contribution to the “Nigeria Rebranding” project as a Colonel, which he said reflected a patriotic mindset. He also praised Gen. Musa’s personal commitment to unity, describing him as a detribalised officer who shunned ethnic sentiments.“To my mind, there couldn’t have been a better option,” he said.On expectations for his stewardship, Ali urged Gen. Musa to confront networks of criminality and their enablers “no matter whose ox is gored,” especially financiers, illegal miners and logistics suppliers fuelling insecurity.
He also advised him to reinforce policy directives on security sector reform, including redeployment of soldiers from VIP escorts and checkpoints to frontline duties.“This country deserves high-handedness in dealing with banditry and terrorism. “This is the time for firm decisions and courageous leadership. I pray that God guides him right,” he said, adding that those caught with illegal arms should face immediate consequences.Maj.-Gen. Olukolade expressed hope that Gen. Musa would resolve the bureaucratic gaps between the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces, enabling faster response to the needs of troops. He said the new minister’s first-hand knowledge of welfare and logistics challenges would help improve conditions for serving personnel and bridge long-standing grievances among veterans.
“This is a man who understands the plight of the men, who has been through the system and knows their worries. We expect a better relationship with the ministry, and improved management of welfare,” said Olukolade.The former DDI predicted enhanced inter-agency synergy under MGen. Usa.He noted that his tenure as CDS was marked by strong relationships with other security agencies. He expressed confidence that Musa would provide clearer guidance to field commanders and engage international partners more effectively.
“With his vast understanding, there will be no excuse for anybody to fail,” he said.Rear Admiral Bankole said Gen. Musa would function from a position of “knowledge and strength,” leveraging over three decades of military experience and strategic training from leading global institutions. As CDS, he said Musa pursued three core philosophies: professionalism, people-centric operations and enhanced interagency/regional collaborations, which would now be expanded from a cabinet-level platform.According to him, Musa is passionate about troop welfare and the protection of civilians in remote communities affected by conflicts.
He added that he would use his cabinet role to push policy measures that strengthen security for vulnerable populations.“He always worried about citizens bearing the brunt of insecurity. Now, he can make recommendations directly to the cabinet,” he said.Bankole said Musa’s collaborative nature would drive closer engagement with institutions like the Police Affairs Ministry and Police Service Commission, including possible reforms that reduce over-reliance on the military for internal security.
He also projected more structured civil-military engagement, improved rights protection and humanitarian outreach.“Gen. Musa is a patriot and nationalist to the core. He is a round peg in a round hole,” he said.He noted that the former CDS demonstrated empathy and commitment to victims of violence through sustained outreach programmes in Maiduguri, Yelewata and several IDP camps, stressing that such humanitarian inclination would influence defence policy under his leadership.