YULETIDE: CDS MUSA FELICITATES MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES ...... Calls For Change Of Security Narratives In 2025

General Christopher Gabwin Musa 
Chief of Defense Staff CDS 

"The birth of Jesus Christ was evidently the heralding of good tidings and hope to the hopeless." CDS Musa

Nigeria's Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa OFR has felicitated with the members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) on the auspicious occasion of Year 2024 Christmas celebrations in commemoration of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

The CDS, in a statement issued and signed by the Director, Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, asserted that "the birth of Jesus Christ was evidently the heralding of good tidings and hope to the hopeless."

He therefore called on the Christian faithful in the AFN to use this period of Christmas for introspection and sober reflection of the immeasurable love of God to us as individuals as well as members of our families.

Equally, the CDS called on Nigerians to abide by the teachings of love, forgiveness and togetherness as exemplified by our Lord Jesus Christ, noting that, "the year has been eventful, dotted with few incidences. 

"Despite all these, Almighty God has been gracious and merciful unto us as we are alive to witness another Christmas celebration," he stated. 

General Musa added that, "we do remember with heavy heart that some of our colleagues who started the year with us, lost their lives in the process of keeping our nation safe from all forms of insecurity occasioned by the activities of terrorists, bandits and other non-state actors. 

The CDS urged troops to ensure the year 2025 is defined by positive changes in the security narratives in all our theatres of operations, "as a mark of respect to our colleagues who paid the supreme price."        

General Musa also acknowledged with sense of pride, the resilience of troop of the AFN, and highly impressive will to fight in various theatres of operations across the nation. 

He saluted their courage and sacrifices in securing the lives and prosperity of our dear nation. He further assured that the AFN would continue to align with the,Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR while pledging the unalloyed loyalty of the military to the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

In his conclusion, the Chief of Defense Staff charged members of the AFN and all security agencies to remain vigilant and committed to protecting lives and properties of all Nigerians, while warning subversive elements and enemies of state to have a rethink on any intended negative actions during the festive period. 

"The Chief of Defense Staff thereafter wished members of the AFN, security agencies and Nigerians; Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year in advance." The statement ended.