By Harriet Tornguvan
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), has called for a unified national approach involving government, the private sector, and local communities to effectively tackle Nigeria’s growing security challenges.
Speaking at the Nigerian People’s Strategic Conference and Defence Exhibition 2026 held at the Nigerian Air Force Conference Centre in Abuja on Saturday, General Musa said the country's security concerns have become too complex to be addressed solely through military operations.
The minister stressed that emerging threats such as terrorism, banditry, cybercrime, and infrastructure vandalism are increasingly sophisticated, technology driven, and often sustained by local support networks. He noted that combating these threats requires collective action and active citizen participation.
According to a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Defence, Captain Moses Yare, the minister emphasized the importance of timely intelligence from citizens and the need for communities to deny criminal elements safe havens.
General Musa outlined what he described as the three key pillars of a modern security ecosystem: effective government leadership and coordination, sustained investment in local defence innovation and industrial capacity, and stronger community partnerships built on trust, transparency, and accountability.
He further advocated structured and regulated public-private partnerships to improve intelligence gathering, protect critical national infrastructure, and enhance rapid response capabilities while ensuring strict compliance with national laws and standards.
The minister also identified five priority areas for advancing Nigeria’s security objectives. These include 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, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, called for a comprehensive, non-kinetic, and community-driven approach to addressing insecurity across the country.
Kalu stressed the importance of dialogue, inclusive governance, and collaboration between public and private institutions. He described the recent passage of the State Police Bill by the House of Representatives as a significant step toward decentralising Nigeria’s security architecture and improving grassroots security management.
Similarly, Senator Osita Izunaso advocated a holistic and technology driven security strategy, arguing that military action alone cannot deliver lasting peace and stability.
He urged policymakers to address underlying causes of insecurity, including poverty, unemployment, and weak governance, while also investing in reliable data systems, grassroots governance structures, and indigenous capacity development.
Reaffirming the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies to protecting lives and property, General Musa maintained that sustainable security remains a collective responsibility.
He called on all stakeholders to work together in building a safer, more resilient, and prosperous Nigeria, stressing that national security can only be achieved through shared commitment and coordinated action.
