By Asaye Bankole
Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), has proposed that all Nigerians should undergo military training to gain a better understanding of the challenges, discipline and sacrifices involved in protecting the country.
Musa made the proposal while speaking on the African Leadership Podcast hosted by Ken Giami. The episode was released on Monday.
The former Chief of Defence Staff said military training would expose citizens to the physical and mental demands faced by members of the armed forces and could give them a different perspective on life and national service.
According to him, military training would allow Nigerians to experience conditions such as hunger, exhaustion, physical strain and prolonged periods without sleep, which he said would help people appreciate the sacrifices made by soldiers.
“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 in days without sleep,” Musa said.
He added that military exercises could also teach endurance, particularly when personnel are required to continue moving despite fatigue and difficult conditions.
Musa explained that soldiers often endure such hardships because of their responsibility to protect the country and its citizens.
He compared the sacrifices of military personnel to the principle of giving one’s life for another person, stressing that soldiers routinely put themselves in dangerous situations in the interest of national security.
The Defence Minister also appealed to Nigerians to show greater understanding towards members of the armed forces, noting that soldiers are also parents, siblings and members of families who leave their loved ones behind while carrying out their duties.
Musa said it was painful for military personnel to be criticised or insulted by members of the public, particularly when they were working under difficult conditions to maintain security.
He emphasised that soldiers operate in challenging environments, including extreme weather conditions, at night and during the day, while remaining focused on protecting communities.
The minister stressed that Nigerians and members of the military ultimately share the same desire for peace and security across the country.
Musa also spoke about Nigeria’s security challenges and the issue of border infiltration.
He linked increased pressure on some of the country’s borders to the withdrawal of Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali from the Economic Community of West African States.
According to him, Nigeria is strengthening bilateral security cooperation with neighbouring countries, including Cameroon, as part of efforts to improve security along the country’s southern borders.
The minister’s comments come amid continued efforts by the Federal Government and security agencies to address insecurity and strengthen Nigeria’s internal and border security.
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