The immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa (retd.), has declared that he was leaving service “with a clear conscience” after nearly four decades of dedication to the nation’s security.

Speaking at his pull-out parade in Abuja on Friday, October 31, Musa bowed out of the Nigerian Armed Forces, stating that he was proud of his years in uniform and the contributions he made to the fight against insecurity across the country.

“As I hang my uniform today, I do so with a clear conscience, knowing that I gave my all,” Musa said, drawing applause from officers and guests at the ceremony.

“I leave with cherished memories of camaraderie of battles fought and triumphs celebrated as one family. The sound of the bugle may change for me, but the soldier’s heart beats on forever.”

The former Defence Chief expressed deep gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for entrusting him with the leadership of the Armed Forces, describing the opportunity as “a rare honour.”

He said, “I might be retiring from active military service today, but I’m by no means retiring from my love for our dear country, Nigeria. I remain a soldier at heart and a patriot ever loyal to the constitution and sovereignty of our great nation.”

Musa noted that his appointment as Chief of Defence Staff in June 2023 was one of the highest privileges of his military career.

“Once again, I appreciate Mr President for the opportunity to serve as the Chief of Defence Staff for two years plus,” he said.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s security challenges, General Musa emphasised that the fight against terrorism, banditry, and other threats required greater synergy among security and intelligence agencies.

He cautioned against working in isolation, stressing that collaboration and shared intelligence were crucial to sustaining peace and stability.

“I want to state this clearly, that there is no single institution, no single organisation that can win this war alone,” he said.

“We must synergise, we must collaborate, we must fight together, and I appeal to all Nigerians to pray for our troops, to pray for our security forces so that we can win, and together we shall succeed. Nigeria shall continue to develop.”

The retired General urged Nigerians not to relent in praying for soldiers deployed across the country’s conflict zones, noting that the military’s achievements were the result of sacrifice and unity.

He said, “Our men and women on the frontline give their lives daily so that the rest of us can live in peace. They deserve our prayers, our respect, and our continued support.”

General Musa congratulated his successor, General Olufemi Oluyede, who officially assumed office as the new Chief of Defence Staff on Thursday, expressing confidence that the Armed Forces would continue to thrive under his leadership.

“To my successor and other service chiefs, I wish you success. I urge officers and men of the Armed Forces to remain steadfast, professional, and loyal,” he said.

He also extended heartfelt appreciation to his family, whom he described as “unsung heroes”, for their patience and endurance during his long deployments and absences from home.

“They bore the weight of my service quietly, sacrificing their own comfort for my duty to Nigeria,” he said.

The retired General further thanked the media and sister security agencies for their collaboration during his tenure, saying their partnership strengthened national security operations.

Naijaonpoint reports that Musa joined the Nigerian Army nearly four decades ago and rose through the ranks to become one of the country’s most respected military commanders.

He was appointed Chief of Defence Staff on June 19, 2023, as part of President Tinubu’s major overhaul of the military leadership.

His tenure witnessed several joint operations against insurgents, bandits, and oil thieves, as well as renewed cooperation among the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

As the parade came to a close, the retired General saluted the troops one final time before being driven off in a ceremonial vehicle — a tradition symbolising his official exit from service.

For Musa, it marked not just the end of a career, but the continuation of a lifelong commitment to the nation he served.

“The sound of the bugle may change for me,” he said softly, “but the soldier’s heart beats on forever.”