1. The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, OFR, has commended the Northern Traditional Rulers Council for their unwavering commitment to peace, unity, and national stability. He gave the commendation in a goodwill message delivered during the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council General Assembly held today, Tuesday, 21 October 2025, in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State.
2. General Musa, while felicitating with His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto and Chairman of the Council, and other revered traditional rulers, described the theme of the Assembly, “Strengthening Community Collaboration for Lasting Peace and Security in Northern Nigeria,” as both timely and significant. He noted that the theme underscores the critical role traditional institutions play as custodians of culture, morality, and communal harmony, which are essential to ensuring peace and security across the region.
3. General Musa highlighted that traditional rulers remain the bedrock of governance and the first point of contact between government and the people. He emphasized their invaluable roles in conflict resolution, mediation, and intelligence gathering, stressing that their support has been instrumental to the operational successes of the Armed Forces in various theatre of operations.
4. The Defence Chief reiterated that peace and security cannot be imposed but must be nurtured through trust, dialogue, and community collaboration. He therefore advocated a “whole-of-society” approach that brings together traditional institutions, youth and women groups, religious bodies, and government agencies to counter the narratives of violence and promote unity and tolerance.
5. While assuring the Council of the unwavering commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to defend the territorial integrity of the nation and protect its citizens, General Musa expressed appreciation for the continuous cooperation and support received from traditional rulers. He called for sustained collaboration towards achieving lasting peace and stability in Northern Nigeria and the country at large.
6. The CDS concluded by commending the Northern Traditional Rulers Council for its visionary leadership and dedication to the progress and development of the region, expressing optimism that the Assembly will strengthen existing partnerships and inspire renewed hope for peace and unity.
7. Earlier in his visit to the Kebbi State Government House, the Chief of Defence Staff commended the developmental strides of the State Government and expressed delight at being in Kebbi, which he described as “home.” General Musa appreciated the Governor for his continued support to the Armed Forces and other security agencies, noting that such cooperation remains vital to the success of security operations. He reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to ensuring that “Kebbi State, the North West, and indeed the entire nation return to the peaceful and prosperous state we once knew.”
8. In his response, the Executive Governor of Kebbi State commended the relentless efforts of the Armed Forces in maintaining peace and security across the state. He noted that their dedication deserves all necessary support, which informed the state government’s recent distribution of vehicles and other logistics to security agencies. The Governor also thanked the CDS for deploying armoured vehicles and special forces to strengthen the fight against insecurity in the region, describing General Musa’s leadership style as exemplary and inspiring.
9. In a related development, the CDS is expected to attend the final match of the ongoing General Christopher Musa Peace and Unity Cup 2025 scheduled to hold at the FIFA Goal Project Stadium, Birnin Kebbi. The football tournament, aimed at fostering peace, unity, and social cohesion, has attracted participants from across three states namely; Zamfara, Kebbi and Sokoto states. The Governor of Kebbi State is also expected to grace the grand final.
Signed:
TUKUR GUSAU
Brigadier General
Director, Defence Information
Defence Headquarters Abuja
21 October 2025