The Minister of Defence, retired General Christopher Musa, says the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain central to the country’s stability, unity, and survival.

Mr Musa said this on Saturday night in Abuja at the Gala Night and 40th Anniversary Reunion of the Short Service Combatant Course 27 of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA).

The minister, who was represented by retired Maj.-Gen. Bala Isandu, celebrated the alumni for decades of service in defence of the nation.

He urged serving and retired officers to sustain professionalism, unity, and operational discipline.

According to him, the complexity of current security threats requires stronger cohesion across all levels of command.

He described members of Course 27 as part of a “special brotherhood forged in sacrifice”.

He noted that their contributions had remained visible in counter-insurgency, peace support operations, and internal security across the country.

Mr Musa commended their resilience and commitment, adding that many had risen to strategic leadership positions in the Armed Forces and other sectors of national development.

In his goodwill message, retired Major-General John Malu described the reunion as a deeply fulfilling experience, noting that the journey since 1986 had been marked by shared sacrifices, growth, and enduring friendship.

Mr Malu said many members had gone on to serve in different capacities, with some retiring early and others reaching the peak of their careers.

He said the bond formed at the academy had remained strong over the decades.

He noted that physical reunions remained vital, as they offered opportunities to reconnect beyond virtual platforms, refresh the mind, and relive shared experiences from both operational and non-operational engagements.

In his remarks, the course president, retired Major-General Okechukwu Ugo, said the reunion marked 40 years since their commissioning in 1986, describing the occasion as a renewed affirmation of camaraderie and shared military heritage.

He said members of the course had served in various operational theatres, command appointments, and international missions.

According to him, these experiences underscore the enduring value of service and sacrifice.

He called for sustained bonds among coursemates, noting that such relationships remained critical for mentorship, welfare support, and institutional memory within the military community. 

(NAN)