CDS Lauds Northern Traditional Rulers for Championing Peace and Stability in Nigeria
By Onwe Wisdom|Pan Afric Reporters
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, OFR, has commended the Northern Traditional Rulers Council for their unwavering commitment to peace, unity, and national stability.
General Musa according to a press release e-signed by the Director, Defence Information , Defence Headquarters, Tukur Gusau Brigadier General gave the commendation in a goodwill message delivered during the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council General Assembly held on Tuesday, 21 October 2025, in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State.
He praised the Council’s leadership, led by His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto and Chairman of the Council, describing the Assembly’s theme “Strengthening Community Collaboration for Lasting Peace and Security in Northern Nigeria” as timely and significant.
According to him, the theme “underscores the critical role traditional institutions play as custodians of culture, morality, and communal harmony, which are essential to ensuring peace and security across the region.”
General Musa noted that traditional rulers remain the “bedrock of governance and the first point of contact between government and the people.” He further highlighted their invaluable roles in conflict resolution, mediation, and intelligence gathering, stressing that “their support has been instrumental to the operational successes of the Armed Forces in various theatres of operation.”
Reiterating the need for a collaborative approach to peacebuilding, the Defence Chief maintained that “peace and security cannot be imposed but must be nurtured through trust, dialogue, and community collaboration.” He therefore advocated a “whole-of-society” approach that brings together traditional institutions, youth and women groups, religious bodies, and government agencies to counter violence and promote unity and tolerance.
While assuring the Council of the Armed Forces’ unwavering commitment to defending the nation’s territorial integrity, General Musa expressed gratitude for the continuous cooperation and support from traditional rulers. He called for sustained collaboration towards achieving lasting peace and stability in Northern Nigeria and the country at large.
The CDS also lauded the Northern Traditional Rulers Council for its visionary leadership and dedication to regional progress, expressing optimism that the Assembly “will strengthen existing partnerships and inspire renewed hope for peace and unity.”
Earlier in his visit to the Kebbi State Government House, General Musa commended the developmental strides of the state government and expressed delight at being in Kebbi, which he described as “home.” He thanked the Governor for his support to the Armed Forces and other security agencies, noting that such cooperation “remains vital to the success of security operations.”
He reaffirmed the military’s commitment to ensuring that “Kebbi State, the North West, and indeed the entire nation return to the peaceful and prosperous state we once knew.”
Responding, the Executive Governor of Kebbi State commended the Armed Forces for their relentless efforts in maintaining peace and security. He noted that their dedication “deserves all necessary support,” citing the state’s recent distribution of vehicles and logistics to security agencies. The Governor also thanked the CDS for deploying armoured vehicles and special forces to bolster the fight against insecurity, describing General Musa’s leadership as “exemplary and inspiring.”
In a related event, General Musa is expected to attend the final match of the General Christopher Musa Peace and Unity Cup 2025 at the FIFA Goal Project Stadium, Birnin Kebbi. The football tournament, which promotes peace, unity, and social cohesion, features participants from Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara States.
