Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has called for every Nigerian to undergo military training, saying the experience would help citizens understand discipline, endurance and the sacrifices made by members of the Armed Forces to protect the country.
Musa made the remarks while emphasizing the importance of public understanding of the challenges faced by military personnel, including hunger, fatigue, sleep deprivation and the physical demands of operating in difficult environments.
According to the minister, military training would provide citizens with a different perspective on life and help them appreciate the responsibilities associated with national security and the protection of the country.
“Every Nigerian should undergo military training to understand what it means to stay hungry and learn what endurance means.” — Christopher Musa, Minister of Defence.
Musa Explains Why Nigerians Should Experience Military Training
Speaking about the demands of military service, Musa said exposure to military training could help Nigerians understand the physical and psychological challenges soldiers encounter during operations.
He explained that military personnel are often required to continue their duties despite exhaustion, hunger, prolonged periods without sleep and difficult environmental conditions.
The minister stated that undergoing such experiences would help citizens recognize the level of commitment required from soldiers who put their lives at risk in service to the nation.
Musa said:
“It will give you a different perspective about life. You will now understand what it means to stay hungry, what it means to walk in days without sleep. It will show you what endurance means, that when you walk kilometers and you are tired but you still need to keep up going.”
He connected the sacrifices of military personnel to the importance of protecting others, referencing the biblical teaching that there is no greater love than laying down one’s life for a friend.
Defence Minister Urges Nigerians to Respect Soldiers
Musa also expressed concern about instances in which members of the public insult or criticize the military without fully understanding the conditions under which personnel operate.
He emphasized that soldiers are people with families, including fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters, who leave their loved ones behind while carrying out security duties.
According to the minister, military personnel continue working through challenging conditions, including rain, dust, night operations and daytime assignments, to help protect the country.
“They have families that they’ve left behind. Staying there, whether it is rain, it is dust, it is night, it is day, they are working, making sure that the country is secured. So I think they deserve some commendation.”
Musa stressed the importance of peace and said military personnel also want an end to insecurity, rather than continued conflict.
Nigeria’s Security Challenges Renew Debate on Citizens’ Role
The minister’s comments come amid ongoing concerns about terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security challenges affecting different parts of Nigeria.
The remarks have also drawn attention to the potential role of citizens in national security, including public awareness, support for security agencies and understanding the responsibilities of military personnel.
However, Musa’s call for military training should be distinguished from the Federal Government’s earlier clarification regarding compulsory military service.
Government Previously Clarified Position on Mandatory Military Service
In February 2026, Musa, through a representative, reportedly stated that the Federal Government had no plan to introduce mandatory military service or compulsory military training for Nigerian youths.
The clarification was made during the presentation of a book on mandatory military service and was presented as the government’s position at the time.
This distinction is important because a minister’s advocacy for broader military training does not, by itself, establish that compulsory military service has been introduced or approved.
Christopher Musa’s Previous Calls for Security Awareness and Self-Defence
The Defence Minister has previously encouraged greater public support for members of the Armed Forces and promoted awareness of the challenges facing troops.
In June 2026, Musa urged Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies. He also said some media personalities would be exposed to the realities faced by troops during operations, with the aim of helping them better understand the difficulties soldiers encounter in the field.
Earlier, in August 2025, while serving as Chief of Defence Staff, Musa encouraged Nigerians to acquire basic combat and self-defence skills.
He identified martial arts disciplines, including karate, taekwondo and judo, as useful survival skills, comparing them with everyday abilities such as driving and swimming.
Conclusion
Christopher Musa’s latest remarks highlight his position that Nigerians should gain a deeper understanding of military discipline, endurance and the personal sacrifices associated with national defence.
While his call for military training has renewed discussion about citizens’ relationship with the Armed Forces, it should not be interpreted as confirmation of a government policy introducing compulsory military service. The distinction between voluntary or advocated training and mandatory service remains relevant to the ongoing national security conversation.