By Nkechi Eze
The Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd), has underscored the importance of a strong, institutionalised partnership between the Ministries of Defence and Interior as a cornerstone for Nigeria’s security, safety and sustainable development. He made this assertion during a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Interior on Friday, 16 January 2026, in Abuja, where he stressed that effective collaboration between both ministries remains indispensable in confronting the nation’s evolving security challenges.
In an official statement signed by the Deputy Director, Information and Public Relations, Enderline Chukwu, the Defence Minister described the Ministries of Defence and Interior as “two sides of the same coin,” noting that while one is primarily responsible for external security, the other oversees internal security, with both roles now deeply interconnected. According to him, the nature of contemporary threats, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and cross-border crimes, has blurred traditional boundaries between internal and external security, making cooperation not just desirable but unavoidable. He warned that without a secure environment, meaningful and sustainable national development cannot be achieved.
General Musa further emphasised the need for seamless collaboration through intelligence sharing, joint operations and coordinated responses among the Armed Forces of Nigeria and internal security agencies such as the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Nigerian Correctional Service and other relevant institutions. He acknowledged that Nigeria’s security challenges are complex and multidimensional, adding that no single institution can effectively address them in isolation. For this reason, he said, a whole-of-government and whole-of-security-sector approach remains the most viable path to lasting peace and stability.
The Defence Minister disclosed that concerted efforts are currently underway to strengthen border management, protect critical national assets and infrastructure, and institutionalise structured cooperation through inter-ministerial and inter-agency frameworks. He noted that enhanced capacity building, joint training programmes and the deployment of technology to achieve real-time situational awareness are among the key priorities of the Defence establishment. Reaffirming his commitment, General Musa assured Nigerians that the Ministry of Defence will continue to work closely with the Ministry of Interior and all relevant stakeholders to build a stronger, more responsive and unified national security architecture in the interest of peace, stability and public confidence.
Responding, the Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr Olatunji Ojo, agreed that national security is an inseparable combination of both internal and external dimensions. He explained that when internal security agencies are well-equipped and effectively coordinated, the military is better positioned to focus on its core responsibilities. According to him, “our national security architecture stands on the tripod of intelligence, internal security and the military,” stressing that intelligence remains the critical glue holding the entire system together.
Dr Ojo likened the Ministries of Defence and Interior to “siamese twins,” noting that their interdependence makes close cooperation inevitable. He emphasised that a safe border is synonymous with a safe nation, arguing that no country can guarantee the safety of its citizens if it fails to effectively protect its borders. He added that enhanced border management remains central to national security, peace and stability, and can only be achieved through sustained collaboration between internal security agencies and the Ministry of Defence.
The Interior Minister congratulated General Musa on his appointment as Honourable Minister of Defence and pledged to work closely with him to further strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture. He expressed optimism that the renewed synergy between both ministries would yield tangible results and contribute significantly to the overall safety and stability of the country.
Caption: Defence Minister, Gen Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), During A Courtesy Visit To The Ministry Of Interior In Abuja, Where He Emphasised The Need For Stronger Collaboration Between The Ministries Of Defence And Interior To Strengthen Nigeria’s National Security Architecture.
