Christopher Gwabin Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of Nigeria, has played a crucial role in leading the country’s defense strategy during one of its most challenging periods. Nigeria continues to grapple with significant security threats such as insurgency, banditry, and oil theft. Under Gwabin’s leadership, the Armed Forces have gained renewed focus and efficiency.
According to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Nigeria loses an estimated 400,000 barrels of oil daily to illegal bunkering and theft, dealing a critical blow to the nation’s economy. This substantial loss, coupled with escalating security challenges in the northern and central regions, has prompted a more assertive military approach under Gwabin’s guidance.
A major area of focus for Gwabin has been combating oil theft and sabotage in the Niger Delta. Recent operations led by the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division have resulted in the dismantling of over 32 illegal bunkering sites and the recovery of more than 250,000 liters of stolen crude oil.
This represents a significant achievement in reducing the estimated $1.5 billion Nigeria loses annually to oil theft. Gwabin’s leadership has been pivotal in ensuring that military forces are not only reactive but also proactive, with intelligence-led operations targeting key perpetrators and infrastructure involved in illegal oil activities.
In addition to safeguarding Nigeria’s economic interests in the oil sector, Gwabin has intensified efforts to counter terrorism in the northern region. Nigeria’s prolonged battle with Boko Haram and ISWAP (Islamic State West Africa Province) insurgents has resulted in over 35,000 casualties and displaced over 2 million people.
Under Gwabin’s tenure, military operations have increasingly relied on improved intelligence sharing, precision strikes, and community engagement, leading to the recapture of several insurgent-held territories. His strategic shift towards collaboration with local communities has been instrumental in gathering actionable intelligence to weaken insurgent strongholds.
Gwabin’s ability to foster inter-agency cooperation has been a cornerstone of his approach. The Nigerian Armed Forces now collaborate more closely with the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other law enforcement agencies, resulting in more efficient joint operations. This synergy has led to faster response times to security breaches and more coordinated counterterrorism operations, particularly in Nigeria’s central states, which are facing increased banditry and farmer-herder conflicts.
From dismantling oil theft networks in the Niger Delta to weakening terrorist groups in the northeast, Gwabin’s efforts reflect a comprehensive strategy aimed at restoring national security. Through intelligence-led operations, military modernization, and improved inter-agency collaboration, Gwabin is positioning the Nigerian Armed Forces to address the country’s current and future security challenges. His focus on efficiency, local engagement, and innovation signifies a transformative period for Nigeria’s defense sector.
