From Sokoto to the Summit of Service: The Inspiring Journey of General Christopher Gwabin Musa, OFR, Chief of Defence Staff Nigeria
On a cold and crisp December morning, on Christmas Day, some decades ago in the old North-Western State, present day Sokoto State, a certain family named Musa rejoiced at the birth of a bouncing baby boy who would later become instrumental in shaping Nigeria’s security narrative, becoming one of the greatest men, not just in the Nigerian Armed Forces, but in Nigeria at large. He was named Christopher.
General Christopher Gwabin Musa began life in humble surroundings, yet with a destiny that would take him to the highest echelons of the Armed Forces.
In the late 80s during his days in the Nigerian Defence Academy, I could only imagine a young cadet full of idealism and determination, rising at dawn for drills and excelling in his academic pursuits. He realized early on that true service comes with sacrifice, but it also earns deep respect and pride.
Over the years, General CG Musa steadily built his impeccable career step by step, moving from the battlefield to the command room. He started out as a young officer on the front lines, leading men with courage and discipline. I could imagine his early days being filled with long marches, sleepless nights, and tough decisions, the kind that test both strength and character.
As time went on, his leadership skills began to shine. He held the position of Commanding Officer 73 Battalion where his calm confidence and sense of duty earned him the respect of his soldiers. Later, he was appointed as the Assistant Director Operational Requirements at the Department of Army Policy and Plans, and as Infantry Representative/Member Training Team at Headquarters Nigerian Army Armour Corps. What made his rise so remarkable was not luck or shortcuts, it was his steady commitment to excellence. Whether on the dusty fields of duty or behind the polished tables of command meetings, General Musa proved that true leadership is about consistency, discipline, and vision.
During his time as the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, and later as the Commander of the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps, it became clear that Nigeria had found in General Christopher Musa a rare blend of courage, discipline, and strategic brilliance. On the battlefield, he led with a fearless spirit, directing operations that struck deep at the heart of insurgents and terrorist strongholds. His presence alone inspired confidence among troops who saw in him not just a commander, but a leader who inspired them to victory.
Under his command, countless communities once plagued by fear began to breathe again as the tide gradually turned in favour of peace and stability. His approach was not just about force, it was about intelligence, precision, and a deep understanding of the human side of conflict. Many say his success during this period stood out as one of the brightest chapters in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism.
Some of his notable contributions to peacekeeping that particularly make me see him as one of the greatest Soldier Nigeria ever had include his unmatched leadership both at home and beyond our borders. Under General Christopher Musa’s watch, Nigeria’s peacekeeping efforts have remained strong and purposeful. He ensured that our nation continued to play an active role in maintaining regional stability, sending well-trained Nigerian troops to support missions in countries like Sudan, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau etc.
Beyond the battlefield, General Musa has been a strong advocate for modernizing the Nigerian military. Under his watch, there have been deliberate efforts to introduce advanced technology, improve equipment, and strengthen the readiness of troops to face new and evolving threats. He recognizes that the wars of today are not fought with courage alone, but also with innovation, intelligence, and precision.
Equally remarkable is his belief in Civil Military Cooperation (CIMIC). He has shown that true security is not only about the strength of arms but also about the trust of the people. Through community outreach, rebuilding efforts, and humanitarian gestures, he has helped mend the relationship between the military and civilians in conflict affected regions. In his leadership, soldiers are not just defenders of territory, they are partners in rebuilding peace.
Over the years, his exemplary service has not gone unnoticed. General Musa has received numerous honours and awards, including the Colin Powell Meritorious Award for Soldiering and the Nelson Mandela Exemplary Leadership Award. These recognitions are not just medals on his chest, but symbols of his dedication to peace, integrity, and humanity.
Through these remarkable contributions, I have come to see General Christopher Musa as far more than just a soldier. He is a strategist, a reformer, and a true peacebuilder, a man who does not simply react to threats, but anticipates them. A man who does not settle for momentary calm, but works tirelessly to build enduring peace and stability for our dear nation, Nigeria. His leadership has not only strengthened our internal security but also earned the country genuine respect and admiration within the comity of nations.
As I reflect on the remarkable journey of General Christopher Gwabin Musa, from that Christmas morning in Sokoto to the pinnacle of Nigeria’s military command, I see the portrait of a man whose life defines duty, discipline, and devotion to his country. His story is not just one of military success, but of great patriotism and uncommon humility. In every stage of his service, he has proven that greatness is not found in power alone, but in the courage to serve with diligence, integrity and the compassion to lead with purpose.
Nigeria is indeed blessed to have a Soldier of his calibre, a man who continues to stand as a guardian of our peace, a protector of our unity, and a symbol of hope for generations to come.
By Awwal Abdullahi Aliyu, President, Nineteen Seventeen Northern Consensus Movement For Peace Unity Empowerment and Development Initiative (NSNCM )
GNN24 News 