Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), has said every Nigerian should be able to undergo military training, arguing that the experience would help citizens better understand endurance, hardship and the sacrifices made by members of the Armed Forces.
Musa made the statement while speaking on the African Leadership Podcast hosted by Ken Giami.
The former Chief of Defence Staff said military training exposes people to conditions that are difficult to experience in ordinary civilian life, including hunger, exhaustion, sleep deprivation and prolonged physical exertion.
According to him, Nigerians who experience such conditions would gain a different understanding of what it takes for soldiers to continue carrying out their duties despite physical discomfort and difficult circumstances.
“Every Nigerian should be able to go through military training. I can tell you for free, 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.”
Musa said military exercises that require participants to walk long distances while tired and without adequate food or comfort could help demonstrate the level of endurance expected from personnel operating in difficult environments.
He linked the experience to the sacrifices made by soldiers who put their lives at risk while carrying out security operations across the country.
The minister also expressed concern about criticism directed at members of the military, saying Nigerians should have a better understanding of the conditions under which troops operate.
“And that’s exactly what the military men are doing, putting their lives at stake for their country.”
Musa said soldiers work through different weather conditions and remain away from their families while carrying out their responsibilities.
He argued that greater understanding of these sacrifices could help improve public appreciation of the Armed Forces.
The comments have drawn attention because they come against the backdrop of Nigeria’s continuing security challenges, including terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.
However, Musa’s latest remarks should be distinguished from the Federal Government’s earlier position on compulsory military service. In February 2026, a representative of the Defence Minister said the government had no plan to introduce mandatory military service or compulsory military training for Nigerian youths.
Musa’s latest comments, as reported from the podcast interview, express his view that Nigerians should experience military training, but they do not by themselves announce a new government policy making such training compulsory.
The minister has previously called for greater public understanding of the Armed Forces and the challenges faced by personnel during security operations. In September, he also urged Ministry of Defence staff to remain security-conscious and promptly report suspicious activities.
His latest comments therefore come as the government continues to emphasise cooperation between citizens and security agencies in tackling Nigeria’s security challenges.
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