Defence Minister Denies Underage Soldier Recruitment Claims

General Christopher Musa (rtd), the Minister of Defence, addressed allegations regarding the recruitment of underage soldiers by the Nigerian military during a press briefing on Thursday after a National Security Council meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the State House in Abuja. Musa firmly denied these reports, asserting that the military does not engage in such practices, attributing any underage recruitment to terrorist groups instead.

He emphasized the military's professionalism and commitment to national security. Musa also conveyed President Tinubu's directive for the military to rescue all kidnapped individuals throughout Nigeria, stating that there should be no safe havens for bandits.

Additionally, he announced that President Tinubu would soon inaugurate ten new aircraft and helicopters to enhance aerial security surveillance and mentioned plans to extend recent salary increments for armed forces members to police and paramilitary personnel, ensuring no one is left behind in these efforts.