By Ahmed Yusuf, Abuja
National News – The Coalition of Youth Leaders for One Nigeria (COYLON) has thrown its weight behind the Minister of Defence, Christopher Gwabin Musa, condemning recent calls for his removal as “reckless, misguided and divisive.”
The group, in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, described his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a strategic move aimed at strengthening the country’s security framework.
The statement signed by the group’s National President, Isaac Owoicho, and its Vice President, Kennedy Tonjo West, praised General Musa’s military career, noting his rise through the ranks of the Nigerian Armed Forces and his leadership experience as former Chief of Defence Staff.
According to the group, his track record demonstrates professionalism, discipline and strategic capacity in tackling terrorism and insurgency across the country.
COYLON also commended President Tinubu for increasing investment in defence, particularly through the procurement of modern military equipment and efforts to boost operational effectiveness.
The group said these steps reflect the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.
The youth leaders expressed sympathy with families of fallen soldiers, describing their sacrifices as central to Nigeria’s stability.
They called for continued national support for the Armed Forces, especially those on the frontline combating insecurity.
However, the coalition strongly criticised remarks attributed to Abdul Danbature, who reportedly urged the President to sack the Defence Minister over rising insecurity in parts of Northern Nigeria.
COYLON said such comments show a lack of understanding of the complexity of national security operations and risk undermining troop morale.
The group stressed that Nigeria’s security issues are deeply rooted and cannot be resolved through “impulsive public outbursts” or the removal of a single official.
It warned against politicising security matters, noting that leadership requires responsibility and restraint, especially on sensitive national issues.
COYLON called on Danbature to retract his statement and apologise publicly, while reaffirming its support for General Musa and urging security agencies to remain focused on ongoing operations.
The coalition maintained that unity and collective resolve remain critical to overcoming Nigeria’s security challenges.
