By peterside Rejoice Eneky
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has reiterated the unwavering commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) to support regional development as a strategic pathway to achieving sustainable peace and national security.
General Musa made this known during a courtesy visit to the Minister of State for Regional Development, Alhaji Maigari Ahmadu, at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday.
According to a statement released by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier-General Tukur Gusau, the visit was part of efforts to strengthen civil-military cooperation and deepen mutual understanding between the military and key government institutions responsible for development planning.
During the meeting, the CDS underscored the vital link between development and peace, noting that regions that experience higher levels of development often enjoy greater stability and security. He emphasized that the military recognises the importance of non-kinetic strategies in building a peaceful nation, and thus supports regional initiatives aimed at addressing the root causes of insecurity.
General Musa commended the Ministry of Regional Development for its collaboration, especially in providing training for the Special Forces, which has enhanced the operational capabilities of military personnel involved in counter-terrorism and internal security operations.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria is committed to working with the ministry and other stakeholders to foster an environment where development can thrive. We understand that without peace, development is impossible, and without development, peace cannot be sustained,” he stated.
The CDS also expressed gratitude to the ministry for supporting military-led community programs, including education, rehabilitation, and reintegration efforts in conflict-affected areas.
Responding, Minister Maigari Ahmadu described the visit as both timely and historic. He commended the military for its enduring sacrifices in defending the nation’s unity and territorial integrity and paid tribute to fallen heroes who died in the line of duty.
He particularly lauded the military’s ongoing social interventions such as the establishment of schools for children of repentant insurgents and other humanitarian outreach programmes designed to rebuild trust and foster reconciliation in post-conflict communities.
“The work the military is doing goes beyond the battlefield. Your support for regional development shows a deep understanding of the broader mission of national transformation. We are grateful for the partnership and look forward to deepening our cooperation,” Ahmadu said.
He also expressed confidence in the capacity of the Nigerian military to overcome the current security challenges confronting the nation and pledged the ministry’s readiness to continue supporting the military’s efforts in development-related areas.
The meeting concluded with a renewed pledge by both parties to work collaboratively in ensuring that development and peace go hand-in-hand across all regions of the country.
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