By Harriet Tornguvan
The Minister of Defence, Christopher Gwabin Musa, has stated that sustainable national security cannot be achieved through military operations alone, stressing that the fight against ignorance and hopelessness remains critical to safeguarding Nigeria's democracy and stability.
Speaking on at the June 12 Special Edition of The Platform Nigeria, General Musa said true security goes beyond the deployment of troops and military hardware, requiring deliberate efforts to empower citizens, strengthen democratic institutions, and provide hope for the future.
According to a statement by Leah Katung-Babatunde, Special Adviser (Media) to the Minister of Defence, the minister paid tribute to those who made sacrifices for Nigeria's democratic journey and emphasized the need for the country's security architecture to evolve in response to emerging threats.
Delivering a presentation titled “Securing Our Nation,” the Defence Minister noted that economic growth and national development can only thrive in an environment where security is guaranteed.
“When we speak of national defence, the instinct is to focus on boots on the ground, air power, or intelligence gathering.
“But true and lasting security is anchored on one critical element: the defeat of ignorance and the conquest of hopelessness. No democracy can flourish where fear dominates daily life, he said.
The minister highlighted several achievements recorded by the Armed Forces in recent years, including the elimination of key terrorist leaders and the disruption of major criminal networks operating across different parts of the country.
However, he cautioned that Nigeria continues to face increasingly complex security challenges, including banditry, kidnapping, cybercrime, and transnational violent extremism, which have become more sophisticated and interconnected.
According to him, criminal groups are increasingly exploiting digital platforms and social media to spread misinformation, deepen social divisions, and undermine national cohesion, thereby requiring innovative and technology-driven responses from security agencies.
General Musa stressed the importance of adapting defence strategies to meet evolving threats, noting that military efforts must be complemented by education, economic opportunities, and inclusive governance to address the root causes of insecurity.
The 2026 edition of The Platform Nigeria was themed “Governance, Democracy and National Security,” bringing together policymakers, security experts, and stakeholders to discuss the challenges and prospects of strengthening democratic governance and national security in the country.
Additionally, the Minister reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting lives and property while advancing reforms aimed at building a more secure, prosperous, and united Nigeria.
