The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Christopher Musa, has emphasised the central role of families in strengthening Nigeria’s internal security.

Mr Musa said this on Thursday while declaring ‘Exercise Haske Biyu 2025’ closed at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC) Jaji.

He said that the focus on family values, civic responsibility, and moral resilience as core elements of the exercise was vital, given the country’s internal security challenges, which are shared by other nations represented.

“The family is the bedrock of every community. Without the family, there can’t be a good community. What we have realised is that because the family system is failing, insecurity is growing, which means if we address the security, the family issues, insecurity will go down,” Mr Musa said.

Mr Musa emphasised that the citizens must understand the importance of why family was shaped and organised, stressing discipline as a key player.

“That is why you have the regulations. That is how people grow up to understand what it is to be human, what it is to respect one another and what it is to love one another,” he said.

According to him, family unions are critical to success and security, which was why he encouraged families to continue to remain united.

“If families are united, then we are our brothers’ keepers and will not allow harm to happen to any other person, and Nigeria will be better,” he said.

Speaking further, Mr Musa emphasised that the year’s theme, “Family and National Security,” was significant and timely, stressing that national security begins with strong families and cohesive communities, not just the efforts of security agencies.

He explained that the exercise had proven the Armed Forces Command and Staff College’s relevance in shaping the nation’s internal security operations through rigorous joint training and intellectual engagement.

He added that the exercise continued to serve as a vital platform for enhancing synergy among security stakeholders and strategic cooperation with ministries, departments, and agencies, commending the participants’ dedication during all engagements.

The CDS explained that the attendance of the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, at the opening ceremony of the exercise elevated the programme’s importance, adding that her inspiring keynote address underscored the college’s role in building national values and strategic thinking.

Mr Musa said her engagement with participants left a lasting impact that would stimulate broader civic and policy dialogue while also motivating collaborative approaches to national security.

He added that the participants’ resilience and focus throughout the training were commendable, urging them to translate their experiences into practical action in the pursuit of peace and stability.

Mr Musa explained that the college had once again produced world-class officers, noting that by fostering enduring partnerships through such initiatives, the institution continues to play a pivotal role in national and international security.

He urged the college to remain steadfast in its mission of producing well-grounded, mission-ready leaders for the armed forces of Nigeria and friendly nations while maintaining its culture of excellence.

Earlier, the Commandant of the college, Hassan Alhaji, said the exercise underscored the importance of strong families as the foundation of society, where morality, discipline, and patriotism were nurtured, stressing that strong families build strong nations.

According to him, weak families could create avenues for chaos, radicalism, extremism, and disunity, ultimately threatening national cohesion and stability.

Mr Alhaji, therefore, said the exercise provided a platform for participants to engage in discussions that generated practical solutions to national challenges, empowering them as vital stakeholders in the country’s development.

He disclosed that next year’s exercise would focus on consolidating the achievements of the current year and would bring together stakeholders from the executive, legislative, and judicial arms of government, alongside other relevant groups.

Mr Alhaji explained that the programme aimed to build resilience and strengthen national spirit by involving all segments of society, including people with disabilities, to foster a shared sense of unity and purpose.

The CDS inaugurated the remodelled Staff Duties Wing.

(NAN)