Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), has dismissed reports alleging that the Nigerian military recruits underage soldiers to fight terrorism and other security threats in the country.
Musa maintained that the Nigerian Armed Forces operate professionally and do not recruit underage children for military operations. He suggested that allegations involving the use of children in armed conflicts were directed at terrorist groups rather than the country’s military.
The minister made this clarification on Thursday while speaking with journalists at the State House in Abuja after a National Security Council meeting with President Bola Tinubu.
According to Musa, the military remains committed to professional standards and will not engage in the recruitment of underage personnel.
He said, “We are all professionals. We are fully committed, and it is also important for us to address the recent allegations concerning the recruitment of underage soldiers.”
The defence minister explained that the discussion surrounding the use of children in armed conflicts was about allegations against terrorists who exploit underage individuals in their operations.
He stressed that the military had no control over the activities of terrorist organisations, adding that security forces must continue working to eliminate their presence and prevent them from operating freely within the country.
Tinubu Directs Security Forces To Rescue Kidnap Victims
Musa also disclosed that President Tinubu had directed security agencies to intensify operations aimed at rescuing people kidnapped or abducted across different parts of Nigeria.
According to the minister, the president instructed the military and other security agencies to take decisive action against terrorists, bandits and their operational camps.
He assured Nigerians that the security agencies were prepared to implement the directive and work together to restore peace and security.
“The directive from the president is that all of us must go all out to fish out and rescue all those who have been abducted or kidnapped, wherever they are. There shouldn’t be any camp of terrorists or bandits anywhere in Nigeria,” Musa said.
He added that the government remained committed to tackling insecurity and ensuring that Nigerians could live without fear of attacks and abductions.
The minister also expressed appreciation for the president’s support for the security agencies, assuring the public that the military and other relevant institutions were working together to achieve the country’s security objectives.
Tinubu To Commission 10 New Aircraft And Helicopters
Musa further revealed that President Tinubu would soon commission approximately 10 newly acquired aircraft and helicopters intended to strengthen Nigeria’s aerial surveillance and security operations.
He explained that the acquisition demonstrated the administration’s commitment to addressing insecurity despite the country’s economic challenges.
According to him, the new aircraft and helicopters would support the government’s efforts to improve security operations and strengthen the capacity of the armed forces.
The minister noted that security remained a major priority for the president and assured Nigerians that the government would continue to provide the military with the necessary support to carry out its responsibilities.
Police And Paramilitary Personnel May Benefit From Salary Increase
The defence minister also spoke about the recent salary increase approved for members of the armed forces, indicating that police officers, other paramilitary personnel and pensioners could also benefit from similar measures.
He said the government was working to address the welfare of other security personnel and retirees, adding that the president wanted all groups to be considered.
Musa stated that the administration was committed to improving the welfare of security personnel, whose responsibilities include protecting lives, maintaining law and order, and defending the country against internal and external threats.
He expressed optimism that further steps would be taken to address the concerns of police officers, other paramilitary workers and pensioners.
Musa Calls For Public Support In Fight Against Insecurity
The minister urged Nigerians to cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information about suspicious activities and individuals involved in criminal operations.
He emphasised that the responsibility for maintaining security should not be left to the military and other security agencies alone, noting that citizens also had important roles to play.
Musa encouraged members of the public to report wrongdoing, including misconduct by security personnel, and assured them that appropriate action would be taken where necessary.
“Security is everybody’s responsibility. It is not only for members of the security forces. Everyone has a role to play,” he said.
He added that cooperation between the public and security agencies would help strengthen efforts to combat terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities across Nigeria.
The minister reiterated the government’s determination to improve national security, rescue kidnapped victims and ensure that security agencies remained equipped and prepared to protect the country.
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