“According to the statement, General Musa observed that contemporary threats including terrorism, banditry, cybercrime, and infrastructure vandalism are increasingly complex,”
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Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd), has called for a unified approach to addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
The Minister made the call on Saturday at the NAF conference center, Abuja during the Nigerian People’s Strategic Conference and Defence Exhibition 2026.
In a press release signed by Captain Moses Yare, public relations officer at the ministry of defence, the minister noted that national security can no longer be achieved through military efforts alone, but driven by strong collaboration among government institutions, the private sector, and local communities.
According to the statement, General Musa observed that contemporary threats including terrorism, banditry, cybercrime, and infrastructure vandalism are increasingly complex, technology driven, and often sustained by local support networks. He therefore emphasised the critical role of citizens in providing timely intelligence and denying criminal elements safe havens.
The Minister also identified three key pillars as framework for a modern security ecosystem, namely; effective government leadership and coordination, sustained investment in local defence innovation and industrial capacity, as well as strengthened community partnerships built on trust and accountability.
He further advocated structured and regulated public private partnerships to enhance intelligence gathering, safeguard critical infrastructure, and improve rapid response capabilities, while ensuring strict adherence to national laws and standards.
General Musa highlighted priority areas to advance national security objectives, such as strengthening legal and policy frameworks, establishing secure information sharing platforms, promoting local defence manufacturing, investing in training and professional development, and deepening community engagement.
The Minister reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies to safeguarding the nation, stressing that sustainable security remains a collective responsibility.
Also speaking at the conference, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, called for a comprehensive, non-kinetic and community driven approach to tackling insecurity.
He emphasised the importance of dialogue, inclusive governance, and public private collaboration, while noting the recent passage of the State Police Bill in the House as a major step toward decentralising Nigeria’s security architecture.
Similarly, Senator Osita Izunaso advocated a holistic and technology driven approach to security, stressing that military action alone cannot guarantee lasting peace.
He underscored the need to address root causes of insecurity such as poverty, unemployment, and weak governance, and highlighted the importance of reliable data, grassroots governance, and indigenous capacity development.
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