The Minister of Defence, retired General Christopher Musa, has praised the Armed Forces of Nigeria for their swift and decisive response to last Sunday’s attempted coup in the Republic of Benin.
Speaking in Abuja at the investiture ceremony for twenty-eight newly promoted senior Army officers, General Musa noted that the professionalism and rapid intervention of the Nigerian military were instrumental in helping to foil the coup plot. He emphasized that the incident underscores the constant need for vigilance, highlighting that the Armed Forces must remain prepared to defend Nigeria and support its allies against emerging security threats.
General Musa also reiterated that no single branch of the military can succeed in isolation, stressing the importance of seamless joint operations involving the Army, Navy, Air Force, and other security agencies to safeguard national security.
He explained that, following two separate requests from the Beninese government, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu authorized the deployment of Nigerian Air Force fighter jets into Benin to secure the nation’s airspace and dislodge the coup plotters from the National Television station and a military camp where they had regrouped.
The decoration ceremony, held at the Army Headquarters Command Officers’ Mess 1 in Asokoro, Abuja, conferred the rank of Major General on 28 Brigadier Generals, including one posthumous promotion. General Musa, who served as the Special Guest of Honour, commended the officers for their courage, professionalism, and years of dedicated service, noting that their elevation reflects their steadfast commitment to national security and the continued strengthening of the Nigerian Army.
He urged the newly promoted officers to tackle emerging security challenges with renewed determination, stating that their new responsibilities place them at the heart of the Army’s strategic evolution.
“These officers represent some of the finest leadership within our Armed Forces,” he said, expressing pride in their achievements.
The Minister further underscored the importance of enhanced inter-service cooperation, improved intelligence sharing, and unified action across all security agencies. He also acknowledged the vital support provided by the officers’ families and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to improving the welfare of military personnel.
