By Ayomide Otitoju
Former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa (rtd.), has urged strengthening community resilience as a key strategy to tackle Nigeria’s rising wave of kidnappings.
Musa made the remarks on Wednesday during his ministerial screening for the position of Minister of Defence, following his nomination by President Bola Tinubu.
Responding to senators’ questions, he described the surge in mass school abductions as “very unfortunate” but emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach. “Since last year, the Safe Schools Initiative has been implemented. We need to review it critically and ensure the approach is holistic,” he said.
Highlighting the importance of local empowerment, Musa noted, “We must build the resilience of our communities because crime is localized. If we are able to build the capacity of the locals themselves, they will be the first responders.”
The former CDS also pledged to investigate the withdrawal of troops prior to the November 17 abduction of 25 schoolgirls from the Government Comprehensive Girls Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State, a move that sparked nationwide condemnation.
Musa further promised that, if confirmed as Defence Minister, he would establish a committee to probe the killing of Brigadier General Musa Uba.
