Bomba Dauda
Governor of Kaduna State, Sen. Uba Sani
applauded Gen. CG Musa for an outstanding career, which he described as “a source of pride and inspiration.”
Adding that, “You have progressed admirably from a junior officer to your appointment as Commandant, Nigerian Army Depot Zaria, then Theater Commander Operation Hadin Kai in the North-East, and as Infantry Corps Commander in Jaji, from where President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed you as the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).”
The Governor.made the assertions when Gen. CG Musa visited him on Friday, 29th September, 2023 in Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Kaduna.
He went to say, From our checks, you are one of the most successful Theater Commanders. You left an indelible mark in that arena. You led with brilliance, energy, devotion and patriotism. It is no wonder you are still a reference point in military leadership. During your tour of duty in the North East, you adopted the kinetic and non-kinetic approaches and recorded huge successes. On the kinetic side, our military decimated the terrorists in key flash points in Borno and the Lake Chad region. On the non-kinetic side, your understanding of total warfare opened another vista, with the massive surrender of terrorists earlier conscripted into the ranks of insurgents, running into thousands. This is a clear display of your sublime understanding of holistic operations.
We also wish to appreciate your efforts in the deployment of troops of the 404 Special Forces Brigade to Kaduna State last year, after the attack on the Kaduna-bound train. The Special Forces greatly complemented Operation Whirl Punch under the leadership of Major General Lagbaja, who was at that time the GOC of 1 Division.
We must also acknowledge, on a sad note, the loss of some of these troops, notably Major SA Oni, an industrious officer of the highest quality, who, alongside several other brave personnel, paid the ultimate price during an operation in a neighbouring state last month. I conveyed my condolences at this devastating loss through our Commissioner overseeing Internal Security. We have remained in prayers to Almighty God for the repose of their souls.
We will like to renew our appeals for the prolonged stay of the Special Forces in the ongoing campaign against banditry and terrorism. I similarly want to highlight the need to expand the operations of Operation Safe Haven in Southern Kaduna general area, due to the challenges around Zangon Kataf, Kaura, Kauru and Sanga LGAs. Such an expansion will go a long way in containing threats and consolidating ongoing efforts in those areas.
Similar measures are required in the Birnin Gwari general area, to restrict bandits and terrorists from using the Kuduru, Kuyanbana and Kamuku Forests as a refuge or hideout. Most importantly, they will further constrict the corridors connecting Birnin Gwari with neighboring States like Zamfara, Niger and Katsina, from use by these criminals.
We have stepped up efforts towards inter–state collaboration in the fight against banditry and terrorism. I am in constant touch with my colleague Governors and strategies are being finetuned to deny criminal elements safe havens or hideouts in any of our neighbouring states in the North West or North Central.
Let me once again extend our warm welcome to you. We assure you of our commitment to sustaining this cordial relationship. Remember that you can always count on our earnest prayers, sincere support and best wishes as you lead the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
