Christopher Musa: Foreigners won’t save Nigeria — we have to fix insecurity ourselves

Christopher Musa on Nigeria’s Insecurity Challenge

Christopher Musa, former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), has delivered a powerful message on Nigeria’s security crisis, insisting that the responsibility for solving the nation’s challenges lies squarely with its citizens.

Speaking at the cultural night and unity ball organized by the Unity Schools Old Students’ Association (USOSANS) in Abuja, Musa emphasized that foreigners cannot rescue Nigeria from its insecurity woes. He urged Nigerians to recommit to unity, tolerance, and nationhood, stressing that only collective effort can bring lasting peace and stability.

Musa’s remarks came against the backdrop of heightened concerns about terrorism, banditry, and political instability. He highlighted the symbolic importance of the event, where diverse cultural displays showcased Nigeria’s rich heritage and the possibility of cohesion among its people.

According to him, the gathering reflected what Nigeria should embody: “Despite our different cultures, traditions, religions, we’re all here together, working together, and that’s what Nigeria should be.” He called on citizens to reject division, embrace coexistence, and recognize that “nobody else will do it for us”.

The former CDS also responded to questions about U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat of military action in Nigeria, reiterating that external intervention cannot solve Nigeria’s problems. He declared that “nobody will save our country other than ourselves. We must do it ourselves, and we can do it.” His words underscored a broader theme of self-reliance and resilience in the face of external pressures.

Michael Magaji, President-General of USOSA, reinforced Musa’s message by tracing the origins of Nigeria’s unity schools to post-independence nation-building efforts. He explained that these institutions were designed to bring young Nigerians together from across the country, fostering understanding, excellence, and leadership.

Magaji described USOSA’s mission as a moral responsibility to promote peace, tolerance, and unity in diversity. He noted that the experiment of unity schools has yielded remarkable national impact, producing leaders across politics, the military, business, entertainment, and sports.

Nnanna Anyim Udo, team lead of USOSANS in Abuja, added that the alumni body serves as custodians of a national project built on tolerance and shared heritage. He emphasized that unity schools continue to shape values of coexistence and must act as a counterforce to divisive narratives, especially those amplified by digital platforms.

The event, therefore, was not only a celebration of Nigeria’s cultural richness but also a reaffirmation of the role of education and civic responsibility in healing national fractures.

This special report highlights Musa’s central thesis: Nigeria’s insecurity cannot be outsourced. His call to action is clear, citizens must embrace unity, reject division, and take ownership of their nation’s future.

The message resonates deeply at a time when external threats and internal divisions challenge Nigeria’s stability, reminding all that the path to peace and security begins within.