The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (Rtd), has sent a clear and uncompromising message to those fueling insecurity in Nigeria, warning that anyone found supporting terrorists, bandits, or other criminal elements will be made to face the full weight of the law. Speaking on Saturday at the TYB International Golf Club in Abuja, the Minister didn’t mince words, stating simply that “the friend of a thief is a thief.”
The stern warning was delivered during the ceremonial tee-off of the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day Golf Tournament. The event serves as a high-profile tribute to both active personnel and the fallen heroes of the Armed Forces of Nigeria. Gen. Musa used the platform to appeal to the conscience of the nation, urging those still aiding insurgents to stop immediately or prepare for the consequences of their betrayal.
Beyond the warnings, the Minister emphasized that security is a collaborative effort that relies heavily on the eyes and ears of the public. He encouraged law-abiding citizens to be proactive, stressing the “see something, say something” rule. According to him, timely intelligence is the most effective tool the military has to take swift, decisive action against threats. He noted that the annual remembrance period is not just a ritual but a time to let the troops know that the entire country stands firmly behind them.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, echoed these sentiments while addressing the participants. He acknowledged that while Nigerians have been supportive over the years, the current security climate requires an even deeper level of cooperation. Oluyede praised the courage of soldiers who daily risk their lives for the peace of others, reaffiriming the military’s commitment to improving the welfare of those on the front lines.
The tournament itself brought together over 100 golfers in a display of camaraderie and physical fitness. Brig.-Gen. Nichols Achinze, the Club Captain, explained that the event is a symbolic part of the broader activities marking the 2026 Remembrance Day. It highlights the unique bond within the military community while serving as a poignant reminder to the rest of the nation about the immense sacrifices made to maintain Nigeria’s stability.
As the day’s activities wind down, the message from the leadership remains the same: the military is ready to respond, but success depends on a united front. With the backing of the Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the defense chiefs are calling for a renewed sense of patriotic commitment from every citizen to ensure that the peace bought with the blood of fallen heroes is never lost.
