The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Christopher Musa, has attributed the rising insecurity in Nigeria to the erosion of family values. He emphasized that reinforcing these values is essential to tackling the country’s security challenges.
Exercise Haske Biyu highlights family’s role in security
CDS Musa made the remarks on Thursday during the closing ceremony of the 2025 edition of ‘Exercise Haske Biyu’ held at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC) in Jaji, Kaduna. The military exercise focused on strengthening family values, civic duties, and moral resilience as key factors in addressing security issues both in Nigeria and other participating countries.
Speaking at the event, Musa described the family as the foundation of every community. He stressed that without a strong family structure, a community cannot thrive. “What we have realised is that because the family system is failing, insecurity is growing, which means if we address the family issues, insecurity will go down,” he explained.
The importance of discipline and moral upbringing
The CDS further highlighted that families play a crucial role in instilling discipline, respect, and love in their members. According to him, these core values are vital in shaping responsible citizens who contribute positively to society.
Musa’s comments come amid growing concerns about insecurity in Nigeria, with incidents ranging from banditry and kidnappings to communal conflicts affecting various parts of the country. His emphasis on family values suggests a holistic approach that goes beyond military solutions, focusing on societal and moral foundations to build lasting peace.
Moving forward: strengthening the family unit
The call to reinforce family values aligns with broader efforts by government and civil society groups to address insecurity through community engagement, education, and moral reorientation. By strengthening the family unit, it is believed that young people will grow with a stronger sense of responsibility and respect for the rule of law.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with complex security challenges, the CDS’s message underlines the importance of combining military strategy with social and cultural interventions to create a safer and more stable nation.
