Special Report
By Chukwudi George Ozalla
“The soldier is the army. No army is better than its soldiers. The soldier is also a citizen. In fact, the highest obligation and privilege of citizenship is that of bearing arms for one’s country”.
Those immortal words by the legendary American General George S. Patton capture the essence of a soldier’s calling — courage, duty, and sacrifice.
That same spirit aptly defined the emotional farewell held for Nigeria’s immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd), as the Armed Forces staged a grand pulling-out parade in his honour at Mogadishu Cantonment, Abuja, marking the end of a remarkable military career.
It was a bright memorable Friday morning on October 31, 2025, when the sprawling parade ground transformed into a spectacle of precision and pride. From the first note of the ceremonial band, every sound, salute, and synchronized step reflected the discipline and dignity of the Nigerian Armed Forces — and the respect of a nation bidding farewell to one of its finest officers.
The traditional pulling-out parade was a stirring blend of military splendour and emotion. The rhythmic clang of boots on pavement, the glint of brass insignias, and the seamless drill formations carried a solemn majesty. The regimental band’s melody floated softly across the cantonment as rows of officers stood in immaculate alignment under a bright sky that seemed to salute the occasion.
As General Musa, resplendent in full ceremonial uniform, stepped forward for his final inspection, the atmosphere thickened with emotion. His wife, Mrs. Oghogho Lilian Musa, stood beside him with quiet grace, acknowledging the soldiers’ cheers. When the couple mounted the symbolic military jeep — the ritual marking the end of active service — soldiers, hardened by years of duty, were visibly moved. The jeep rolled slowly past saluting troops as cheers and tears mingled freely. Some civilians watching from the sidelines could not hold back their emotions, waving and shouting his name as the jeep disappeared into the sunlit distance. The regimental band played Auld Lang Syne, the timeless tune for fond farewells, while the bugle’s final note echoed across the parade ground.
Moments earlier, General Musa had delivered his final address to the Armed Forces, his voice calm yet firm. He thanked God for the grace to serve and spoke of honour, sacrifice, and gratitude. “As I hang my uniform today, I do so with a clear conscience,” he said. “I am leaving the Nigerian Armed Forces with my head held high and my heart filled with gratitude to God, my colleagues, and my country. I gave my all, and I am content that I have served faithfully.”
He spoke warmly of the troops he led, describing them as the nation’s heartbeat. He urged Nigerians to continue supporting their military and to keep faith with their country. He also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the confidence reposed in him and appreciated the Service Chiefs for their loyalty and cooperation. Turning to his family, he acknowledged their sacrifices and long absences with emotion. “My wife, my children, my family — you bore the sleepless nights, the dangers, and the long absences. You are the true heroes of my journey,” he said.
He ended with quiet dignity, saying, “The sound of the bugle may fade for me today, but the soldier’s heart will keep beating. I am, and will always be, a man of service.”
In his tribute, the new Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, described Musa as “a soldier’s soldier and a gentleman of exceptional discipline and compassion.” He commended his leadership and integrity, pledging to sustain the legacy of unity and professionalism he left behind. “General Musa led with humility, focus, and courage,” he said. “Under my command, we will continue to uphold professionalism, accountability, and innovation. The Armed Forces of Nigeria will remain united, disciplined, and ever ready to defend our nation.”
By early afternoon, the scene shifted to the Armed Forces Officers’ Mess in Asokoro, where a warm reception was held for General and Mrs. Musa. The gathering radiated camaraderie and nostalgia as top military officers, diplomats, friends, and family shared moments of laughter and reflection. Tributes poured in, celebrating a leader respected for both strength and kindness.
One officer recalled missions they had shared, noting how Musa never sent men into danger he would not face himself. Another called him “the commander with a human heart.” Gen Musa and his wife, composed and gracious, moved round every table thanking guests and the military community for their support. Mrs Musa described her husband’s career as “a shared path of faith, love, and sacrifice.”
Born on December 25, 1967, in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State, General Christopher Gwabin Musa’s military journey began with the 38th Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy. Commissioned into the Infantry Corps in 1991, he earned a reputation for discipline, tactical brilliance, and integrity. Over a 39-year career, he held several key command and staff appointments, including Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai in the North-East, Commander of Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), and Commander of the Infantry Corps Centre.
Before his appointment as Chief of Defence Staff in June 2023, he had already established himself as a strategic thinker and reform-minded officer. His leadership strengthened inter-agency cooperation, improved troop welfare, and enhanced Nigeria’s counter-insurgency strategy. Under his command, the Armed Forces deepened operational synergy and advanced global defence partnerships.
A committed scholar-soldier, General Musa holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from the Nigerian Defence Academy, a Master’s in Defence Studies from the National Defence College, Bangladesh, and another in National Security Strategy from the National Defence University, Washington, D.C. He is a Fellow of the National Defence College and alumnus of several international military institutions.
His decorations include the Forces Service Star (FSS), Meritorious Service Star (MSS), Distinguished Service Star (DSS), and Grand Service Star (GSS). Known for humility and moral strength, he remains admired for his humane leadership and unwavering dedication to the Nigerian state.
Beyond the uniform, he is a devoted family man, mentor, and advocate of peace and national unity. His leadership style — firm, fair, and compassionate — earned him respect within and beyond military circles. He loves farming.
As the sun set over Asokoro and the reception drew to a close, the hall once again rose in applause. It was a final standing ovation for a man who led from the front, inspired with humility, and left the stage with honour.
General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd) may have taken his last salute in uniform, but the imprint of his service will remain deeply etched in the story of the Nigerian Armed Forces and in the hearts of those he led.
