Former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has bowed out of the Nigerian military, saying he is leaving “with a clear conscience” after giving his best to the nation.

Musa, who was succeeded by General Olufemi Oluyede as the new CDS, spoke during his pull-out parade in Abuja on Friday. He described his decades of military service as one of loyalty, sacrifice, and unity.

“As I hang my uniform today, I do so with a clear conscience, knowing that I gave it my all,” he said.

“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.”

‘Still a Soldier at Heart’

The retired general thanked President Bola Tinubu for the opportunity to serve as Nigeria’s Defence Chief for over two years. He urged officers and men of the armed forces to extend full cooperation to the new military leadership.

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

He also called for unity among Nigeria’s security institutions, stressing that victory against insurgency and criminality depends on collaboration.

“No single institution or organisation can win this war alone. We must synergise, collaborate, and fight together,” he declared. “I appeal to all Nigerians to pray for our troops so that together we can win. Nigeria shall continue to develop.”

President Tinubu recently reshuffled the military hierarchy, naming Oluyede as CDS, Waidi Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff, and appointing new heads for the Air Force and Navy.

The Senate confirmed the appointments earlier this week, and the officers were decorated by the president on Thursday.