Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), has called for military training for all Nigerians, arguing that such exposure would help citizens better appreciate the sacrifices, discipline and resilience required to defend the country.
Musa made the remark during an appearance on the African Leadership Podcast hosted by Ken Giami, where he reflected on the realities faced daily by members of the armed forces and the need for greater public understanding of their role in national security.
According to the Defence Minister, military training goes beyond learning combat skills, describing it as a life-changing experience that teaches endurance, sacrifice, responsibility and service to the nation.
He explained that experiencing the physical and emotional challenges soldiers face—including hunger, exhaustion, long-distance treks and sleepless nights—would give Nigerians a deeper appreciation of the demands of military service.
Musa said many people do not fully understand the difficult conditions under which soldiers operate, often spending days in remote locations under harsh weather conditions while carrying out missions aimed at protecting lives and safeguarding the country's territorial integrity.
“Every Nigerian should be able to go through military training. It will give you a different perspective about life. You will now understand what it means to stay hungry and what it means to work for days without sleep,” he said.
The minister noted that military personnel routinely endure extreme hardship in the line of duty, pushing themselves beyond normal limits in order to keep the nation safe.
He added that the willingness of soldiers to risk their lives for the security of others reflects one of the highest forms of service and sacrifice.
Drawing a comparison with biblical teachings on selflessness, Musa said members of the armed forces continually place themselves in harm’s way so that other Nigerians can live and work in peace.
The Defence Minister also appealed to citizens to show greater understanding and respect for military personnel, stressing that soldiers are ordinary Nigerians with families, children and loved ones whom they often leave behind for extended periods while serving the nation.
He expressed concern over criticisms sometimes directed at the military, saying such remarks can be painful for personnel who make significant sacrifices under difficult and dangerous conditions.
According to him, no soldier desires prolonged insecurity, as peace and stability remain the ultimate goal of military operations across the country.
“Everybody wants peace, and that is important. Soldiers are fathers, brothers and sisters. They have families they leave behind while staying in the rain, dust, heat and cold, day and night, to ensure the country remains secure,” Musa said.
Speaking on regional security challenges, the Defence Minister linked growing infiltration across Nigeria’s borders to developments in the Sahel region, particularly following the withdrawal of Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali from regional security arrangements.
He noted that the changing security dynamics have increased pressure on Nigeria’s borders, prompting the government to strengthen cooperation with neighbouring countries.
Musa disclosed that Nigeria is expanding bilateral security partnerships with nations such as Cameroon as part of broader efforts to improve border surveillance, tackle cross-border threats and enhance national security.
The minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening security collaboration across the region while continuing efforts to address emerging threats and safeguard the country from external and internal security challenges.
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