Bomba Dauda
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), has advocated a whole-of-society approach to addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges, stressing that national security can no longer be achieved through military efforts alone.
Speaking at the Nigerian People’s Strategic Conference and Defence Exhibition 2026, held on Saturday at the NAF Conference Centre in Abuja, General Musa said effective security requires strong collaboration among government institutions, the private sector, and local communities.
The Defence Minister noted that contemporary security threats, including terrorism, banditry, cybercrime, and infrastructure vandalism, have become increasingly complex and technology-driven, often relying on local support networks to thrive. He therefore urged citizens to play an active role in providing timely intelligence and denying criminal elements safe havens.
According to him, building a modern security ecosystem rests on three key pillars: effective government leadership and coordination, sustained investment in local defence innovation and industrial capacity, and stronger community partnerships founded on trust and accountability.
General Musa also called for structured and regulated public-private partnerships to enhance intelligence gathering, protect critical national infrastructure, and improve rapid response capabilities, while ensuring compliance with national laws and standards.
To advance Nigeria’s security objectives, the minister identified five priority areas: strengthening legal and policy frameworks, establishing secure information-sharing platforms, promoting local defence manufacturing, investing in training and professional development, and deepening community engagement.
Also speaking at the conference, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, advocated a comprehensive, non-kinetic, and community-driven approach to tackling insecurity. He emphasized the importance of dialogue, inclusive governance, and public-private collaboration, while describing the recent passage of the State Police Bill in the House as a significant step toward decentralising the country’s security architecture.
Senator Osita Izunaso, in his remarks, called for a holistic and technology-driven security strategy, arguing that military action alone cannot guarantee lasting peace. He stressed the need to address underlying causes of insecurity such as poverty, unemployment, and weak governance, while highlighting the importance of reliable data, grassroots governance, and indigenous capacity development.
General Musa reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies to safeguarding the nation, maintaining that sustainable security is a collective responsibility.
He urged all stakeholders to work together in building a safer, more resilient, and prosperous Nigeria.
