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By Our Correspondent
Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), has declared that Nigeria’s quest for enduring peace and stability can only succeed when the nation tackles the twin challenges of ignorance and hopelessness, stressing that military force alone cannot guarantee lasting security.
Speaking at the June 12 Special Edition of The Platform Nigeria in Abuja, General Musa said true national security extends beyond military operations and intelligence gathering to include protecting democratic values, fostering hope among citizens, and addressing the root causes of insecurity.
The minister, who delivered a presentation titled “Securing Our Nation,” paid tribute to the sacrifices made by Nigerians in the struggle for democracy and emphasized the strong link between security and sustainable economic development.
“When we speak of national defence, the instinct is to focus on boots on the ground, air power, or intelligence gathering,” Musa 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 noted that while significant progress has been recorded in the fight against insecurity, emerging threats continue to evolve and demand new approaches from security agencies and policymakers.
According to the minister, the Armed Forces have achieved notable successes in recent years, including the elimination of key terrorist commanders and the dismantling of several criminal networks operating across different parts of the country.
Despite these gains, he cautioned that security challenges confronting Nigeria have become increasingly complex, pointing to the growing threats posed by banditry, kidnapping, cybercrime, and transnational violent extremism.
General Musa observed that criminal groups are becoming more sophisticated and adaptive, often exploiting modern technologies and social media platforms to spread misinformation, deepen social divisions, and undermine public confidence in state institutions.
He stressed that addressing these threats requires a rapid transformation of Nigeria’s defence architecture through innovation, technological advancement, intelligence-driven operations, and stronger collaboration among stakeholders.
The Defence Minister further argued that economic growth and national development cannot be sustained in an atmosphere of insecurity, adding that governments must continue investing in measures that strengthen both physical security and social resilience.
The June 12 Special Edition of The Platform Nigeria was themed “Governance, Democracy and National Security,” bringing together policymakers, security experts, and public affairs stakeholders to examine the relationship between democratic governance and national stability.
Musa’s remarks come amid ongoing efforts by the Federal Government and security agencies to confront emerging security threats while consolidating democratic gains achieved since Nigeria’s return to civilian rule.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces to safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and protecting citizens, while urging Nigerians to play active roles in promoting unity, civic responsibility, and national cohesion.
Observers at the event noted that the minister’s emphasis on education, hope, and democratic governance reflects a broader understanding of security that goes beyond military solutions and focuses on building a more resilient and inclusive society.
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