By Nkechi Eze
The Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to tackling terrorism and violent extremism through expanded access to quality education, describing learning as one of the most effective tools for defeating radicalisation and insecurity.
According to an official signed statement by the Special Assistant (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Defence, Leah Katung-Babatunde, General Musa made the remarks on Sunday, June 7, 2026, during the commissioning of the Kaduna Christian Academy in Ungwan Sunday, Sabon Tasha, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The school was constructed by the Department of State Services (DSS).
Addressing guests at the event, the Defence Minister described Nigeria’s security challenges as an “asymmetric war,” noting that terrorist groups and violent extremists often exploit ignorance, misinformation, and hopelessness to recruit and radicalise vulnerable individuals.
“As Minister of Defence, I view this school as a critical military asset without a single rifle,” General Musa stated. “True and lasting security is anchored on the defeat of ignorance and the conquest of hopelessness. This school is a weapon of mass instruction in the right hands.”
He explained that the commissioning represented more than the opening of an educational facility, describing it as a practical demonstration of community resilience, inter-agency cooperation, and the human-centred approach to national security.
The Kaduna Christian Academy was built through a partnership involving the DSS, Nest Global Resources, Dan Oil Exploration Limited, and Tantina Security Services. The project follows a similar intervention by the DSS in Danbushiya, Chikun Local Government Area, where a school was established for the Muslim community as part of efforts to promote inclusive development and social cohesion.
Commending the DSS for its broader contribution to nation-building, General Musa said the agency had demonstrated that security institutions can play a transformative role in shaping the future of communities.
“We see the DSS in a different light – as builders of the future,” he said. “By constructing this academy, the Service has shown that internal security is not just about surveillance and arrest. It is about winning the confidence of the people. A secure mind – one that is educated and enlightened – is the best defence against the merchants of chaos.”
The Defence Minister urged members of the host community to take ownership of the school and safeguard the facility for future generations. Addressing students, he described the academy as “a sanctuary of hope” where they would acquire not only academic knowledge but also the values of citizenship, tolerance, and critical thinking.
He told parents that the project reflected government’s commitment to their welfare and future, while noting that the institution would complement ongoing efforts by the Kaduna State Government to provide inclusive and quality education across the state.
Although established to serve the Christian community, General Musa emphasized that the academy stands as a symbol of inter-faith harmony and national unity, reflecting the same spirit that informed the earlier construction of a school for the Muslim community in the area.
He also charged the school management and teachers to uphold high standards of discipline and professionalism, while encouraging local youths to work closely with security agencies in protecting the facility.
“See this school not as a target, but as your inheritance. Work with the DSS and other security agencies as partners in progress,” he said.
The event was attended by officials of the Kaduna State Government, members of the clergy, traditional rulers, and community leaders. Governor Uba Sani, represented by the Commissioner for Justice, Barrister James Kanyip, welcomed the initiative and pledged continued collaboration among the state government, security agencies, and private sector partners to advance education and development across Kaduna State.
