…Says lasting peace depends on education, democratic values and modernised defence strategy
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (retd), OFR, has said that true and lasting national security cannot be achieved through military force alone, but must be anchored on defeating ignorance, overcoming hopelessness and strengthening democratic values.
He stated this on Friday at the June 12 Special Edition of The Platform Nigeria, where he delivered a presentation titled “Securing Our Nation.”
In a statement issued by Leah Katung-Babatunde, special adviser (Media) to the Minister of Defence, Musa paid tribute to the sacrifices that led to Nigeria’s return to democratic rule, while warning that contemporary security threats require a rapid, technology-driven transformation of the country’s defence strategy.
“When we speak of national defence, the instinct is to focus on boots on the ground, air power, or intelligence gathering,” he said.
“But true and lasting security is anchored on one critical element: the defeat of ignorance and the conquest of hopelessness. No democracy can flourish where fear dominates daily life.”
He stressed that economic development can only be sustained in an environment of security, adding that both are inseparable in national planning.
The minister also provided an assessment of Nigeria’s security landscape, acknowledging progress recorded by the Armed Forces, including the neutralisation of terrorist leaders and disruption of criminal networks.
However, he noted that modern threats such as banditry, kidnapping, cybercrime and transnational violent extremism remain highly adaptive and increasingly interconnected.
According to him, these groups often exploit social media platforms to spread misinformation, deepen divisions and strengthen recruitment networks.
General Musa said the evolving nature of insecurity requires a more dynamic and technology-driven response, alongside strengthened civic awareness and institutional resilience.
This year’s edition of The Platform Nigeria had as its theme: “Governance, Democracy and National Security.”
