The Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), OFR, 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.
According to an official signed statement by the Public Relations Officer, Ministry of Defence, Captain Moses Yare, the Minister made the call during the Nigerian People’s Strategic Conference and Defence Exhibition 2026 held on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at the Nigerian Air Force Conference Centre, Abuja.
Speaking at the event, General Musa emphasized the need for stronger collaboration among government institutions, the private sector, and local communities to build a resilient and effective national security framework.
He noted that contemporary threats such as terrorism, banditry, cybercrime, and infrastructure vandalism have become increasingly sophisticated, technology-driven, and often sustained by local support networks.
According to the Minister, citizens have a critical role to play in national security through the provision of timely intelligence and by denying criminal elements safe havens within their communities.
General Musa outlined three key pillars required for a modern security ecosystem: effective government leadership and coordination, sustained investment in local defence innovation and industrial capacity, and stronger community partnerships founded on trust, accountability, and cooperation.
He also advocated structured and regulated public-private partnerships to enhance intelligence gathering, protect critical infrastructure, and improve rapid response capabilities while ensuring compliance with national laws and regulatory standards.
To strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture, the Minister identified five priority areas, including the enhancement of legal and policy frameworks, establishment of secure information-sharing platforms, promotion of indigenous defence manufacturing, investment in training and professional development, and deeper community engagement.
Also speaking at the conference, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, called for a comprehensive, community-driven, and non-kinetic approach to tackling insecurity across the country.
He stressed the importance of dialogue, inclusive governance, and public-private collaboration, while describing the recent passage of the State Police Bill by the House of Representatives as a significant step toward decentralising Nigeria’s security framework.
Similarly, Senator Osita Izunaso advocated a holistic and technology-driven approach to security management, noting that military operations alone cannot guarantee sustainable peace and stability.
He highlighted the need to address the underlying causes of insecurity, including poverty, unemployment, and governance challenges, while emphasizing the importance of reliable data, grassroots governance structures, and indigenous capacity development.
General Musa reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies to safeguarding the nation, stressing that sustainable security remains a collective responsibility.
He urged all stakeholders to work together in building a safer, more secure, and prosperous Nigeria.
