The Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa, has drawn a bold line in the sand, cautioning Nigerians who aid terrorists, bandits and other criminal networks that the long arm of the law will not spare them.
Musa sounded the warning on Saturday at the ceremonial tee-off of the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD) Golf Tournament held at the TYB International Golf Club, Abuja, an event organised in honour of serving personnel and fallen heroes of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN).
Speaking with the gravity of a commander addressing the frontlines, the minister left no room for ambiguity over where the government stands on internal sabotage and quiet complicity.
“Those who are still supporting bandits, criminals, insurgents and terrorists should stop immediately.
“The friend of a thief is a thief. We urge all law-abiding Nigerians to provide timely intelligence.
“As soon as you see something, say something, so the Armed Forces can take swift action. We are always ready to respond,” he said.
Musa described the annual Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance as a solemn season of reflection — a time to salute gallantry, remember supreme sacrifices, and stand in solidarity with troops who bear the scars of service.
According to him, the remembrance period is not merely ceremonial but symbolic, a national pause to acknowledge those who paid the ultimate price and those who continue to serve on the razor’s edge.
“As usual, we use this period to celebrate both those who are serving and those who have passed on.
“It is important to honour their sacrifices and to let our troops know that Nigerians stand with them. Together, we will succeed,” he added.
He also lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for what he described as consistent and unwavering support for military personnel and their families.
The defence minister urged Nigerians to see security as a shared burden, stressing that vigilance, cooperation and patriotism remain the fuel that powers national safety.
In a similar vein, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, underscored the indispensable role of public cooperation in winning the fight for national security.
According to him, security is everybody’s business. We appreciate Nigerians for their support over the years, but we need even more cooperation to fully achieve our mandate.
Oluyede also praised officers and men of the Armed Forces for their courage and professionalism, noting that their daily sacrifices often go unnoticed.
“It is not easy to go out there and sacrifice your life so that others can live in peace.
“We value their service and remain committed to improving their welfare,” he said.
Earlier, Brig.-Gen. Nicholas Achinze, Club Captain of the Tukur Yusuf Buratai International Golf Club, welcomed over 100 golfers to the tournament, explaining that the competition is one of several activities lined up to mark the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance 2026.
He described the ceremonial tee-off as a symbolic starting gun for the tournament, which is scheduled to run through the day and climax with an evening presentation ceremony.
Observed annually, the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day serves as a national tribute to both living and fallen members of Nigeria’s military, while events like the golf tournament foster camaraderie, physical fitness and esprit de corps — gentle reminders that peace is preserved by sacrifice.
