Nigeria's Defence Minister Advocates Security Strategy at UN

At the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, Gen. Christopher Musa (Rtd), Nigeria's Minister of Defence, called for a whole-of-society approach to security challenges, stating that these issues extend beyond conventional military operations. He emphasized the importance of resilient communities, effective institutions, inclusive development, and good governance as vital for sustainable security.

Musa outlined initiatives under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, including the recruitment of 22,000 personnel into the Armed Forces and the reorganization of the Nigerian Army's divisional structure. He mentioned plans for state police and forest guard arrangements to enhance security in rural areas.

Additionally, Musa discussed a unified intelligence and reconnaissance program to improve collaboration among various government agencies, a national criminal database, and the use of advanced technologies like drones. The panel included notable figures such as Prof. Ibrahim Gambari and Major General Adeyinka T. Famadewa (Rtd), who advocated for integrated response capabilities and community-based solutions to border security.