By Faith Chondol
Defence Minister Retired General Christopher Musa Gwabin has proposed military training for all Nigerians, saying it would deepen understanding of soldiers’ sacrifices and national security duties.
The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), made the proposal during an interview on the African Leadership Podcast with Ken Giami, released on Monday.
Musa said military training would expose Nigerians to the physical and mental demands faced by personnel, including hunger, exhaustion, sleeplessness and prolonged physical exertion.
“Every Nigerian should be able to go through military training. It will give you a different perspective about life,” Musa said.
He explained that such experience would help civilians understand the endurance required of soldiers who continue their duties despite fatigue and difficult conditions.
The former Chief of Defence Staff said military personnel put their lives at risk to protect the country, describing their sacrifice as comparable to the biblical principle of laying down one’s life for another.
Musa also appealed to Nigerians to recognise that soldiers have families and loved ones they leave behind while serving in difficult environments.
He urged citizens to understand the challenges faced by personnel who remain on duty in rain, dust and other harsh conditions to protect communities.
The minister further linked increased border infiltration to the withdrawal of Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
He said Nigeria was strengthening bilateral security relationships, including with Cameroon, as part of efforts to secure the country’s southern borders.
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