The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has raised concerns over the increasing threat of jihadist groups in the Sahel and West African region, affirming that their mission to destabilize and dominate will ultimately be thwarted.
Speaking on Sunday, May 18, during a service at the newly inaugurated Conquerors Global Assembly, a church established by Bishop David Abioye, General Musa expressed confidence in Nigeria’s resilience and divine destiny. He was accompanied by his wife as he addressed the congregation, reflecting on personal experiences and spiritual convictions shaped by his relationship with Bishop Abioye.
The Defence Chief, who shared heartfelt testimonies about his faith journey, emphasized the importance of Christian leaders openly acknowledging their beliefs, particularly in positions of authority. He lamented that some believers, upon attaining prominence, tend to withdraw from their faith commitments.
“Never shy away to show you are a Christian wherever you are. I have seen people when they get to higher places they stay away from God. Remember Jesus said if you deny me before men, I will deny you before my father and your name will not be in the book,” he stated.
General Musa, who was raised as a Christian in Sokoto, reaffirmed his belief in divine guidance and protection. “We serve a living God that will never let us down,” he declared, while also urging Nigerians to foster unity and national pride.
“We are going through challenges as a nation. It is not only Nigeria. I want to assure you that God loves this country and will never let us down,” he said, encouraging collective prayers and mutual love among citizens.
Addressing the deteriorating security situation in West Africa and the Sahel, he cautioned that jihadist factions remain determined to infiltrate and dominate the region. “They are hell bent on taking over. God will not allow them to succeed. But we need prayers. As Christians we need to pray consistently and ceaselessly to ensure that this country remains one. This is a blessed country.”
General Musa also referenced past foreign predictions about Nigeria’s collapse. “If you remember there was this prediction by the West that Nigeria will be no more by year 2015. They say Nigeria will pack up. This is 2025. Nigeria is still standing. And we will continue to prevail,” he assured the audience.
Expressing deep gratitude to Bishop Abioye and his wife, Musa credited the clergyman for his consistent spiritual support, particularly during his tenure as theatre commander in Maiduguri at the height of the Boko Haram insurgency.
“Bishop Abioye kept calling me. I kept wondering how he got my number. But he didn’t relent. His prayers have made the difference,” he recounted. “That is to tell you that we serve a living God who will never let us down. Sometimes we are the ones making things impossible because we doubt ourselves and we doubt God.”
Reiterating his commitment to national security, he assured worshippers that the military and security agencies are working relentlessly to protect Nigeria. However, he underscored the role of spiritual support, emphasizing that prayer remains a powerful weapon in the battle against insurgency.
