The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Christopher Musa, has warned that anyone working against the sovereignty and unity of Nigeria would be treated as an enemy of the state.

Mr Musa issued the warning on Tuesday in Birnin Kebbi, while addressing the General Assembly of the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council (NTRC) tagged: “Kebbi 2025: Strengthening Community Collaboration for Lasting Peace and Security in Northern Nigeria.”

He reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to defend the nation’s territorial integrity and urged all Nigerians to unite in safeguarding its peace and stability.

“Anyone found doing anything negative against the government and the sovereignty of Nigeria is an enemy of the state, and we will go after such a person,” Mr Musa declared.

The CDS commended the Sultan of Sokoto and other northern traditional rulers for their continuous role in promoting peace, unity, and stability in the region.

“They remain indispensable to our collective efforts in ensuring stability in the North and the entire country,” he said.

In his remarks, the Sultan of Sokoto and chairman of the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council, Sa’ad Abubakar III, said the assembly’s theme was chosen to address the pressing challenges of insecurity in the north.

He said the assembly would come up with a communiqué to be presented to northern governors at their forthcoming meeting in Kaduna State.

The Sultan urged Nigerians to stop criticising the military and instead continue to pray for and support them in their operations.

“Without the military, we wouldn’t be where we are now. There are challenges and shortcomings, and that’s why we are here, to find solutions,” he said.

The sultan also called for the regulation of social media to curb the spread of false and harmful information capable of inciting unrest.

“People sit in the comfort of their rooms, create fake stories, and share them until they go viral. It is dangerous. We must verify information before posting or sharing,” the sultan warned.

Also speaking, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, commended the security agencies for their sacrifices and urged citizens to appreciate and support them to discharge their duties diligently.

Mr Bagudu noted that the president had prioritised funding for all tiers of government to enhance national development and security.

On his part, Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi commended the traditional rulers for their foresight and contribution to strengthening the security, peace, and unity in the country.

The event, held at the presidential lodge, Birnin Kebbi, brought together traditional rulers, senior government officials, security chiefs, and community leaders from across the north to deliberate on strategies for lasting peace and security.

(NAN)