Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd), has called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, communities and the private sector in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges, insisting that security agencies alone cannot win the fight against insecurity.
Speaking at the Nigerian People’s Strategic Conference held at the weekend in Abuja, the nation’s capital, General Musa said the country’s evolving security threats require a “whole-of-society approach” anchored on intelligence sharing, community participation and local capacity development.
“Security is everybody’s business. Asymmetric warfare requires a whole-of-security approach. Without logistics suppliers and insider collaborators, terrorists cannot survive,” he said.
The Defence Minister stressed that security agencies depend heavily on information from citizens to succeed in their operations.
“Security agencies are not magicians. If you do not report, you will not see progress,” he stated.
He also expressed concern over Nigeria’s dependence on foreign security equipment, saying the country must prioritise indigenous production to strengthen its security architecture.
“We are challenged because we don’t produce what we use. Nigeria must produce what it needs for its own security,” Musa said.
He urged Nigerians to support local initiatives, deepen community engagement and see themselves as partners in securing the nation.
“People must see themselves as partners in the fight against insecurity. Security is not just about weapons and operations; it is about governance,” he added.
The Minister spoke at the conference themed, “Building a Modern Security Ecosystem: Integrating Private Sector Capacity into Nigeria’s National Security Architecture.” The event brought together security experts, policymakers, lawmakers and private sector stakeholders to explore innovative approaches to tackling the country’s security challenges.
Also speaking, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, said effective local governance remains a strategic tool in addressing insecurity.
He described the conference theme as timely, noting that sustainable peace requires dialogue and community ownership.
“Peace requires conversations, not guns. We need community-owned security,” Kalu said.
He urged stakeholders to deepen local capacity and production to create a safer and more prosperous society.
“Nigeria is not failing. It is working. The sacrifices of the Nigerian people must not go in vain,” he added, while pledging the National Assembly’s commitment to policies and constitutional reforms that promote national cohesion.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Capital Markets and Defence, Senator Osita Izunaso, also noted that military responses alone cannot solve Nigeria’s security challenges, stressing the need for a comprehensive approach that addresses underlying issues.
Earlier, the convener of the conference, Dr Charles Awuzie, said Nigeria’s security situation, though daunting, can be transformed through collective action and strategic partnerships.
“Insecurity is not stronger than our collective will,” he said.
Awuzie urged participants to ensure that discussions at the conference translate into practical outcomes that benefit ordinary Nigerians.
“This conference must not end in speeches. It must produce actionable solutions for the people,” he stated.
The conference also featured panel discussions, interactive sessions and exhibitions showcasing locally made security equipment and technology aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s response to insecurity.
