Musa Denies Nigerian Military Recruits Underage Soldiers, Says Terrorists Are Responsible

Defence Minister says Tinubu orders security forces to rescue all abducted Nigerians; announces plans to commission 10 aircraft and helicopters

By Henryrich Ojo | Newsworld

Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), has denied reports that the Nigerian military recruits underage soldiers to fight insurgents and other armed groups, insisting that the Armed Forces remain professional.

Musa made the clarification on Thursday in Abuja while speaking to journalists after a National Security Council meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the State House. He said allegations involving the use of children in armed operations were directed at terrorist groups, not the Nigerian military.

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Musa also disclosed that Tinubu had directed security agencies to intensify operations and rescue all Nigerians held captive by kidnappers, terrorists and bandits across the country. He assured Nigerians that the security forces were prepared to carry out the directive, adding that the government would not tolerate the continued existence of terrorist or bandit camps.

The minister urged citizens to cooperate with security agencies and report suspicious activities or misconduct by security personnel, promising that appropriate action would be taken.

The defence minister further announced that Tinubu would soon inaugurate about 10 newly acquired aircraft and helicopters to strengthen aerial surveillance and security operations. He added that the president intended to extend salary improvements recently granted to members of the Armed Forces to police officers, other paramilitary personnel and pensioners.

Musa said the government remained committed to improving national security and called on Nigerians to recognise that protecting the country was a shared responsibility.