Christopher Musa, the chief of defence staff (CDS), says strengthening family values is crucial to addressing insecurity in Nigeria.
Musa spoke on Thursday at the closing of the 2025 edition of “Exercise Haske Biyu” at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC) in Jaji, Kaduna.
He said the exercise focused on family values, civic duty and moral resilience as core elements, given the security challenges facing the country and other participating nations.
“The family is the bedrock of every community. Without the family, there can’t be a good community,” Musa said.
“What we have realised is that because the family system is failing, insecurity is growing, which means if we address the family issues, insecurity will go down.”
The defence chief stressed that families must instil discipline, respect, and love in their wards, noting that these values shape responsible citizens.
“That is why you have the regulations. That is how people grow up to understand what it is to be human, what it is to respect one another and what it is to love one another,” he added.
The CDS encouraged families to remain united, noting that strong bonds at that level translate into national cohesion.
“If families are united, then we are our brothers’ keepers and will not allow harm to happen to any other person, and Nigeria will be better,” he said.
He said the theme of this year’s exercise, “Family and national security”, was timely, adding that security begins with strong families and cohesive communities, not just the efforts of security agencies.
Musa explained that the exercise demonstrated the college’s relevance in shaping internal security through joint training and intellectual engagement.
He said the event also fostered collaboration with ministries, departments, and agencies while commending the dedication of participants.
Musa added that the presence of the first lady, Oluremi Tinubu, at the opening ceremony elevated the programme, saying her keynote address underscored the importance of building values and civic responsibility.
He noted that the first lady’s interaction with participants left a lasting impression that would inspire policy dialogue and collaboration in addressing security challenges.
Musa urged participants to translate the lessons from the training into practical action in the pursuit of peace and stability.
He described the AFCSC as a vital institution for developing mission-ready officers and fostering international partnerships.
Hassan Alhaji, commandant of the AFCSC, said the exercise highlighted the importance of strong families as the foundation of society.
Alhaji warned that weak family systems could fuel extremism, radicalism, and disunity, threatening national cohesion and stability.
He said the programme allowed participants to generate practical solutions to national challenges and empowered them as stakeholders in development.
The commandant disclosed that next year’s exercise would consolidate the gains of the 2025 edition by involving all arms of government and wider segments of society, including persons with disabilities.
As part of the event, Musa inaugurated the remodelled staff duties wing of the college.
