…Says modern threats require stronger public–private collaboration and community engagement
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (retd), OFR, has called for a “whole of society” approach to addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges, saying military action alone is no longer sufficient to guarantee national security.
He made the call at the Nigerian People’s Strategic Conference and Defence Exhibition 2026, held on Saturday at the NAF Conference Centre in Abuja.
In a statement ssued by Captain Moses Yare, Public Relations Officer, Ministry of Defence, General Musa said contemporary security threats, including terrorism, banditry, cybercrime and infrastructure vandalism, are increasingly complex, technology-driven and often sustained by local support networks.
He stressed the need for greater citizen involvement in providing timely intelligence and denying criminal elements safe havens within communities.
According to him, national security must now be built on stronger collaboration between government institutions, the private sector and local communities.
Outlining what he described as the framework for a modern security ecosystem, the minister identified three core pillars: effective government leadership and coordination; sustained investment in local defence innovation and industrial capacity; and strengthened community partnerships anchored on trust and accountability.
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 standards.
To advance national security objectives, General Musa highlighted five priority areas, including strengthening legal and policy frameworks, establishing secure information-sharing platforms, promoting local defence manufacturing, investing in training and professional development, and deepening community engagement.
Also speaking at the conference, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, called for a non-kinetic and community-driven approach to security, stressing the importance of dialogue, inclusive governance and public–private cooperation.
Kalu noted that the recent passage of the State Police Bill in the House marked a significant step towards decentralising Nigeria’s security architecture.
Similarly, Senator Osita Izunaso called for a holistic and technology-driven strategy to tackling insecurity, saying military operations alone cannot deliver lasting peace.
He emphasised the need to address structural drivers of insecurity, including poverty, unemployment and weak governance, while strengthening data systems and indigenous capacity development.
General Musa reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies to safeguarding the country, urging stakeholders to work collectively towards building a safer and more resilient nation.
