The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has restated the commitment of the Nigerian Armed Forces to end security challenges in the country.

Mr Musa stated this during a condolence visit to the Emir of Zazau, Ahmed ed Bamalli, on Friday evening in Zaria, Kaduna State.

He assured that the security challenges facing the country would soon be a thing of the past and sought prayers for the military to succeed.

Mr Musa, accompanied by some top military officers, commiserated over the deaths of eight worshippers who died in a mosque collapse.

The CDS conveyed the condolences of the Armed Forces and prayed for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives in the tragic incident.

He said, “I am in Kaduna for the passing-out parade at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna, but felt I should take time out to pay you this condolence visit.

“As a father to me and the entire north, I count on your support and prayers so that we succeed in our various operations.

“I was here several times; I was in Zaria as the Commandant, Nigerian Army, Depot, and now as a Chief of Defence Staff, to God be the glory”.

On August 11, eight worshipers died and 25 others sustained injuries sequel to the collapse of a section of the 150-year-old Zaria Central Mosque during a congregational prayer session.

Responding, Mr Bamalli expressed gratitude for the visit and commended President Bola Tinubu for finding Gen. Musa worthy of the appointment.

Mr Bamalli noted that though the appointment was strictly based on merit, Mr President, however, deserves applause from the entire people of Kaduna State for choosing a competent military officer from the state to serve in such capacity.

He expressed hope that security challenges in parts of the country would be addressed under the present administration.

The traditional ruler said that the council and the people of the state would continue to pray for the CDS and the federal government to succeed.

(NAN)