In a valedictory address at his pulling-out parade in Abuja, retired General Christopher Gwabin Musa has assured Nigerians that, despite his retirement, “Nigeria’s security is in capable hands.”
The parade marked the close of a distinguished career spanning 39 years and four months in the Armed Forces.
Held at Mogadishu Cantonment, the ceremony was both solemn and celebratory.
General Musa thanked God, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and all Nigerians for the opportunity to serve the nation.
He described the occasion as “both emotional and historic, marking the close of nearly four decades of active duty dedicated to the peace, unity, and stability of Nigeria.”
He spoke of his service with humility, saying: “This pulling-out parade is not just a ceremony; it marks the end of a journey of service that has lasted 39 years and four months, and the beginning of a new chapter in my life. I am humbled by the privilege to have served our great nation, and I can proudly say Nigeria’s security is in capable hands.”
As the outgoing Chief of Defence Staff, Musa also expressed his gratitude to President Tinubu for the confidence placed in him to lead the Armed Forces, and extended his congratulations to his successor and fellow service chiefs, pledging to continue his support for their work.
To officers and men of the Nigerian Armed Forces, he had this message: “To the men and women of our Armed Forces, you are the true heroes of this nation. I have witnessed your courage in the face of adversity, your resilience in the toughest conditions, and your unwavering devotion to duty. Defeat is temporary, but victory is forever. Continue to believe in Nigeria. It is a nation worth fighting for.”
General Musa urged service personnel to sustain their loyalty, professionalism and commitment to the unity of the country, reminding them that safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity must always remain paramount.
Though his uniform is now retired, Musa vowed his devotion to Nigeria will continue. “I remain a soldier at heart … I may be retiring from active service, but I will never retire from my love for Nigeria.”
Profile of General C.G Musa
Full Name
Christopher Gwabin Musa
Date and Place of Birth:
He was born on 25 December 1967 in Sokoto State. He hails from Zangon Kataf Local Government Area in Kaduna State.
Education & Training:
He attended Marafa Danbaba Primary School, Sokoto (1974–1978), later Model Primary School, Dorowa Road, Sokoto.
He proceeded to Federal Government College, Sokoto, and then College of Advanced Studies, Zaria.
In 1986, he was admitted to the Nigerian Defence Academy.
He holds a BSc (Honours) from NDA.
He later earned an Advanced Diploma in Security Management at University of Lagos.
He also obtained a Master of Science (Military Science) via International College of Defence Studies, National Defence University (China).
He attended the US Army War College’s Combined Joint Land Component Commander’s Course on Leadership in 2017.
Military Commission & Early Years:
Musa was commissioned into the Nigerian Army as a Second Lieutenant in September 1991.
He belongs to the “38th Regular Course” at NDA.
Career Progression and Key Appointments:
During his career he held a variety of commands and staff roles, including:
Platoon Commander, 192 Battalion shortly after commissioning.
Intelligence Officer in the same battalion.
Administrative Officer at 2 Division Camp (Garrison).
Commanding Officer, 73 Battalion.
Assistant Director, Operational Requirements at the Department of Army Policy & Plans.
Member, Training Team at Army Armour Corps HQ.
Deputy Chief of Staff Training / Operations at HQ Infantry Centre & Corps.
Commander Sector 3, Operation Lafiya Dole.
Commander “Sector 3 Multinational Joint Task Force” in the Lake Chad Region.
Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai in the North-East.
Commander, Nigerian Army Infantry Corps prior to his appointment as Chief of Defence Staff.
Chief of Defence Staff:
He was appointed as Chief of Defence Staff of Nigeria on 19 June 2023 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He served in that role until 30 October 2025 when he relinquished office.
Awards and Recognition:
General Musa has been the recipient of several honours and awards, among them are the Colin Powell Meritorious Award for Soldiering (2022), the Nelson Mandela Exemplary Leadership Award (2022) for contributions to peacekeeping. , abd national honours, including being an Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR).
Other military awards such as the Grand Service Star, Chief of Army Staff Commendation Awards, etc.
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