Our Duty Is To Protect, Not Harm Innocent Nigerians – CDS Musa Warns Military

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has cautioned the Nigerian Military against harming innocent citizens.

The CDS warned that harming innocent Nigerians under whatever guise should not be done by the military, reminding the men and officers that protecting Nigeria and the sovereignty of the nation is the constitutional duty of the armed forces.

According to him, there will be no soft landing or shielding for any officer found guilty in this regard.

Naija News reports General Musa sounded the note of warning on Friday when he paid an official visit to the Nigerian Defence Academy in Kaduna State.

During the visit, the military chief commissioned several projects at the academy targeted at improving the welfare and training of cadets.

“We must understand that the Armed Forces of Nigeria is for Nigeria and for Nigerians. Our duty is to protect Nigeria, to protect our sovereignty whether within or outside, it is not to harm innocent people, that we must understand.

“And for cadets, as you grow in the system, understand this clearly our duty is to protect and defend our country,” General Musa said.

The CDS further warned the officers and men of the military against absconding from duty or seeking self-interests in the discharge of their national assignment.

He reminded them about the enormous task ahead of them in national defence and warfare, noting that they must brace up to the challenges of defending their fatherland against any threat.

He also reiterated that they may be posted to difficult terrains as part of duties to their fatherland, urging them to give their best.

On his part, the Commandant of the NDA, Major General John Ochai, emphasized the importance of leveraging information technology to combat terrorism, banditry and other emerging security challenges confronting the country.

The CDS was later accompanied by the NDA Commandant and other top military officers in commissioning the completed projects, which include the NDA emergency and trauma centre, operational, basic military training complex among others.