In a strong rebuke against misconduct, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, recently denounced Nigerian soldiers found engaging in bribery or extortion, categorizing such behavior as a serious betrayal of the public’s trust.
In an interview with CGTN Hausa, General Musa underscored the Army’s unwavering mission to safeguard lives and property, cautioning troops against engaging in actions that could tarnish the military’s reputation and erode public confidence.
General Musa’s statement comes as part of a broader effort to curb corruption within the ranks and to restore the integrity of the armed forces in the eyes of the Nigerian people. Speaking in Hausa, he issued a stern warning to soldiers, urging them to abandon any unlawful practices that may foster public distrust.
“Let them stop whatever they are doing that will make the masses hate us,” he emphasized. General Musa reminded troops of their core responsibilities, saying, “They should know that their job is to protect lives and property, and that is what we are supposed to do.”
He expressed particular concern about soldiers involved in extortion or bribery, practices he described as fundamentally “improper” and counter to the Army’s values. “If we are the ones collecting bribes on the streets, then we have betrayed the masses,” Musa stated. “It is improper.” He made it clear that the Army will not tolerate actions that undermine the institution’s standing or violate its mandate of protecting Nigerian citizens.
General Musa called on the public to be vigilant and report any illegal activities committed by military personnel. He encouraged Nigerians to come forward if they witness soldiers acting outside the bounds of their duty, reassuring citizens that their safety and well-being are paramount.
“Whenever anyone sees military personnel engaging in any illegal act, they should inform the authorities concerned,” Musa urged, reinforcing the Army’s commitment to upholding discipline within its ranks.
In a broader message of solidarity, General Musa also reassured soldiers of the Army’s support from both the government and the Nigerian people. He expressed confidence that the Army, in turn, remains committed to safeguarding national integrity. “The Army should believe that both Nigerians and the government support them,” he said, adding, “We want Nigerians to believe that the Army is working to protect them.”
He concluded by emphasizing the Army’s responsibility to uphold the nation’s dignity, stressing that it will not engage in any activity that would harm or shame Nigeria. This recent address from the Chief of Defence Staff reflects the ongoing efforts within Nigeria’s military leadership to build an institution rooted in accountability and ethical conduct, striving to regain and maintain public trust.
