The Minister of Defence, retired General Christopher Musa, has reiterated that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain indispensable to the nation’s stability, unity, and continued survival. He made the assertion on Saturday night in Abuja during the Gala Night marking the 40th Anniversary Reunion of Short Service Combatant Course 27 of the Nigerian Defence Academy.
Represented by retired Major General Bala Isandu, Musa praised members of the course for their decades of dedicated service to the country, urging both serving and retired officers to uphold professionalism, unity, and operational discipline in the face of evolving security challenges.
He noted that the complexity of modern threats demands stronger cohesion and coordination across all levels of military command. Musa described Course 27 as a special brotherhood forged through sacrifice, whose members have played visible roles in counter insurgency operations, peace support missions, and internal security efforts nationwide.
He further commended their resilience and commitment, observing that many alumni have risen to occupy strategic leadership positions within the Armed Forces and other sectors contributing to national development.
In a goodwill message, retired Major General John Malu described the reunion as deeply fulfilling, recalling a journey since 1986 defined by shared sacrifices, personal growth, and enduring friendships. He added that while some members retired early, others reached the peak of their careers, yet the bond formed at the academy has remained strong.
Malu emphasised the importance of physical reunions, noting they provide opportunities to reconnect beyond virtual platforms, refresh the mind, and relive shared operational and non operational experiences.
Also speaking, the course president, retired Major General Okechukwu Ugo, said the gathering marked four decades since their commissioning, describing it as a renewed affirmation of camaraderie and shared military heritage. He stressed the need to sustain strong bonds among coursemates for mentorship, welfare support, and preservation of institutional memory within the military community.
